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Civic leader, philanthropist Elsie Hillman dies at 89

PITTSBURGH — Civic leader and philanthropist Elsie Hillman, 89, died Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh.

Hillman, chair of the Elsie H. Hillman Foundation and a former Republican National Committeewoman, was an active political and community leader and advocate for more than a half-century.

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Through her work, she befriended presidents, governors and senators, in addition to thousands of others from all walks of life.

Dr. Stanley Marks, Director of the Hillman Cancer Center, was with Hillman before she passed away. He remembers her as a woman who was committed to helping all people.

"It was through her generosity and vision that we now have one of the leading cancer centers in the world," said Marks. "Despite her success and her wealth, she was really for the common person. She always cared about the patient experience and wanted patients to receive the finest care here at the Hillman Cancer Center."

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald issued a statement on the passing of Hillman:

"Elsie Hillman is a name that resonates far and wide, but holds a special place in the hearts of many Pittsburghers. Mrs. Hillman dedicated her life to civic engagement, and was able to befriend those from all walks of life. She had a personality that connected her to people of all ages and backgrounds, and was known for her caring and generous heart.

"Mrs. Hillman's contributions to this region are irreplaceable and her activism was admired by many. During my time in public office, Mrs. Hillman was always someone I could rely upon for advice and guidance, and her friendship will not soon be forgotten. We are mourning her loss today, and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends."

Until her passing, Hillman, in addition to being chair of the Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, remained a trustee of the Hillman Family Foundation and co-chair of the UPCI and UPMC CancerCenter Council, and served as a board member of WQED, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Hill House Association and director emeritus of several more organizations and universities.

UPMC President and CEO Jeffrey Romoff and Chairman Nicholas Beckwith also issued a statement:

"Elsie represented the highest ideals of philanthropy and the civic spirit that has been central to Pittsburgh's economic success. The dedication of Elsie and her husband, Henry, has had tremendous impact in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. Nowhere was that more evident than in the opening of the Hillman Cancer Center in 2002, thanks to the Hillmans' $10 million lead gift for an institution that has become one of the leading cancer centers in the world.

"As vice chair of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Council, Elsie long advocated for the best possible care for all cancer patients throughout western Pennsylvania. All of us at UPMC will be eternally grateful for Elsie's generosity, foresight and compassion, and we will personally miss a dear friend and community icon."

In her lifetime, Hillman was the recipient of eight honorary degrees and countless honors, including being named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.

Mayor William Peduto released a statement:

"I am greatly saddened at the death of my friend and adviser Elsie Hillman. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband Henry and the whole Hillman family. Elsie was a pioneer who spent a lifetime changing things for the better. She was also gracious and down-to-earth, and did all she could to make Pittsburgh a better place for all. Thousands in our city and far beyond were touched forever by her goodness. We will miss her but never forget her."

A statement from the Hillman family said her greatest joy in life was her family.

"Elsie was happiest when surrounded by her family," said Henry Hillman, her husband of 70 years. "Every person she ever met, she made to feel as though they were her best friend and that she would do anything for them, but her family always came first in her heart."

In addition to her husband, Hillman is survived by four children, Lea Simonds, Audrey Fisher, Henry Hillman Jr. and Bill Hillman; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be private and for the immediate family only. A community memorial service to celebrate her life is being planned for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh.