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ELSIE HILLIARD HILLMAN
ELSIE HILLIARD HILLMAN
Obituary
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ELSIE HILLMAN Obituary
ELSIE HILLIARD
On Tuesday, August 4, 2015, Elsie Hilliard Hillman, beloved wife of Henry Lea Hillman for 70 years. Mother of Juliet Lea Simonds, Audrey Hillman Fisher, Henry Lea Hillman, Jr. and William Talbott Hillman; grandmother of Dylan, Talbott, and Henry Simonds, Brooks and Matthew Fisher, Lilah Wise and Nina Hamilton, and Juliet and Summer Hillman; great-grandmother of 14; sister of the late Thomas Jones Hilliard, Jr., Mary H. Jackson, H. Talbott Hilliard and William R. Hilliard; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral service and interment will be private. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church on Saturday September 19, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center of UPMC or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC.
www.freyvogelfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Fred Peterson
August 15, 2024
My partner and I were in the produce department at Whole Foods and this delightful lady looked us in the eyes and said "Hi, guys, how are you doing?" Right away, on first meeting she knew our relationship. From then on she always greeted us when we met.
Jeff Pollock
July 30, 2019
It is still hard to fathom that our region has been able to function/thrive without this incomparable role model and leader.
Joe and Joni Negri
July 30, 2019
What can you say about Elsie that hasn't been said. She was one of a kind ... An absolutely beautiful person ... Kind , gentle , sense of humor and so generous ... and, such a lover of art, theatre and music .. We will always be proud to have known her.
Jim Pomerantz
July 13, 2016
The world has lost a great lady. As someone completely unknown to her I was told that I had an appointment to see Mrs. Hillman. When I walked in she greeted me and said call me Elsie. I explained the problem she helped solve it for the kids and gave me her numbers and her aides numbers to call if any other problems arose. That was my first encounter with her. About a year later My wife and I were going into a concert. We were walking in when I hear my name called and turn to see her and her husband standing near me. I went over and was greeted warmly by her and introduced to her husband. She never forgot our meeting and I was surprised to see how gracious she was to my wife and I. She as always was thoughtful and gracious and gave my wife a thrill when we saw our name in the society page as being with her at the concert. I have told that story many times and the people who knew her said that was Elsie. I am so proud to say that I had been in her presence and to tell all who read this "YES" that was Elsie.
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Nora Parker
September 18, 2015
Many Blessings go out to your family, and to friends that love you so dearly. Thank You for helping others and giving all your love to Pittsburgh citizens. Love Always, Nora Rose Parker and Family
Ray Allen
September 12, 2015
All the best always to Henry, Elsie's family & so very many friends here, there & everywhere over many years.
God bless 1 & all. Take care.
August 26, 2015
We are sorry for this death we appreciate this person alot
Ray Allen
August 24, 2015
If there is a pedestrian traffic jam in Heaven, Vic Cianca would be delighted to escort Elsie Hillman anywhere she wants to go. What special memories! God bless 1 & all. Take care.
Brian Heckenberger
August 18, 2015
To the Hillman family, particularly Bill Hillman, the Heckenberger family's condolences and thoughts are with you.
Fairfax Seay
August 16, 2015
I'm in Seattle Wa. and received the very sad news that our beloved Elsie has died. She meant so much to so many, including me. Our world is a little less bright. My deepest sympathy, prayers,and love to wonderful Henry, Audrey and Lea and all of the Hillman family. Fairfax.
Baily Douglass
August 16, 2015
To the Hillman Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing of Elsie. We are thinking of you during these difficult times. My you find comfort in loving memories. Warmest Regards,
Baily, Cambria and Colton Douglass
August 11, 2015
To Audrey and family,
Brendan joins me in expressing our condolences to you on the passing of your dear mother. You are in our thoughts.
Cathy Burke
Candy Hurwick
August 10, 2015
Dear Audrey and Lea: When I heard of your mother's passing, I felt like I had lost a member of my family. That's the way your mom was to everyone. You mother had the extraordinary talent of making everyone feel important and courageous. When we would see each other on Walnut St., she would never be too busy to stop and talk to me about the "good old Ellis days" and the friendships we shared. When I was about to move to Florida, I asked your mom if she would write a character reference letter, and she replied, "Sure, but nobody knows me down there. Well, I have to start somewhere." I still have that letter and I can tell you that everyone who had read it was impressed with its writer. Your mother was very cool! And this world is a better place because of her. I will miss Mrs. Hillman.
MARK DAVIC
August 9, 2015
TO the Hillman family, I met ELSIE over 40 years ago at a fund raiser.My father and I dropped off my uncle at the fund raiser at BOB FRIENDS house as we were leaving ELSIE asked my uncle who my dad and I were, he jokingly replied my bodyguards.ELSIE told us to park the car and stay for the party,and we did and had a great time
Jim Nelson
August 7, 2015
To the Hillman Family:
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Elsie. In reading the articles about her, I remember the only encounter I ever had with her. In the mid 90's, I was traveling on a US Air flight from New York City to Pittsburgh. I was putting my carry-ons in the overhead and noted that I would be sitting next to Elsie. I introduced myself and for the next few hours I had a wonderful conversation with a very remarkable person. Upon landing I offered to take her bags but she declined. When we reached the landside of the terminal, I asked if she needed a ride,she informed me she had her car. As we said goodbye and began to go our separate ways, you might have guessed it but a maintenance worker came up and said hello to Elsie and she responded hello John. She knew many from all walks of life.
Thank you for all you did for the Pittsburgh region.
August 7, 2015
To the Hillman Family
Anonymous
August 7, 2015
How very sad we all are at Elsie's passing. She was a most gracious and
caring person who treated people and
presidents alike.
She always had a kind word and a
bright smile for police officers as she
passed through the Greater Pgh airport.
She was a GRAND LADY who will be sorely missed by all whose paths
she crossed. She helped so many so
often, may she now rest in peace.
Joe and Joni Negri
August 7, 2015
To Henry and the Hillman Family,
Our condolences go out to all of you. She will be missed by many.
We go back a long time and we cherish the many special memories.
She was truly a special lady.
Kathleen Kaczka
August 7, 2015
Pittsburgh has lost our great champion and I, along with thousands of others, grieve with you. This profound loss has deeply moved me and my heart is swollen with compassion and respect for the Hillman family. We will be forever grateful for Elsie's contribution, for her warmth, humility, devotion to family, and wonderful sense of humor. Bravo Elsie
Bob McCloskey
August 7, 2015
To the Hillman family, I am truly sorry for your loss & somewhat shocked at Elsie's passing. I wrote a note to her about 10 days ago & received a very pleasant letter in return this passed weekend saying she & Henry were not feeling well, but planning a trip to Canada.
She was a big help to me in all my political endeavors. She reminded me of the great time we had at State committee, the conventions & my only white house luncheon.
She was a great lady & friend & will be missed by me.
I'm glad I wrote to her & will cherish perhaps one of her last letters.
Bob McCloskey State committee Dauphin Co.
Sally Gipson
August 6, 2015
To the Hillman family and especially to Bill, I send my sypathies to all of you. Your Mother was a very dear person.
Sincerely,
Sally Gipson
Nancy Krzton
August 6, 2015
Elsie was the epitome of caring and class. For her, making the world a better place was a full time job. I always felt good knowing that she was in the community, exuding her special life force, driving her ordinary car. We will never see such a confluence of talent, hard work, influence and compassion again. God bless you, Elsie!
kathleen smith
August 6, 2015
What a sad loss of a very great lady who gave so much to all of pittsburgh. I enjoyed knowing her and her family through calvary and ellis as did my late parents, barbara and ed tener. Wish i could be at calvary in september. The rafters and pews will ring. My deepest condolences to all the family. Kathleen tener smith.
Denny Scalese
August 6, 2015
To Mr Hillman and the entire Hillman family,
Let me express my deepest sorrow and condolences to all of you. As you know Elsie possessed a wonderful warm and caring heart. I had the pleasure of knowing this amazing woman back in the mid 1980's when I worked at the William Penn Hotel. Her office was on the third floor and many times throughout each month she requested help from a bellman, which was what I was. Elsie was the sweetest person in that entire office, and she preferred not to be called Mrs Hillman. I was just so amazed that a woman with that kind of power, if that is even the proper word to use, could be so down to earth and caring for everyone she was around regardless of their title or position. All of the bellman were very fond of her. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was the greatest!
Ray Allen
August 6, 2015
How many lives did EHH touch for the better?
All who cherish our very many memories know,
"The answer is blowing in the wind" Take care.
Alan Popp
August 6, 2015
Dear Mr. Hillman and Family,
It was 1968 when, as a recent college grad and Rockefeller volunteer, I first worked with Elsie. I have never forgotten how the Republican Executive Committee offices pulsed with her energy every day. I am many years and many miles away from Pittsburgh, but Elsie left me with memories and opportunities I still cherish. Elsie left us all with so much to celebrate about her life.
Anet
August 6, 2015
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Elsie Hillman. I never met Mrs. Hillman, but as a cancer patient and advocate, I know the impact she has made on the lives of many of us here in Pittsburgh. I am happy to say that our non-profit supports the Hillman Patient Assistance Fund, and that I spread the word of Mrs. Hillman's great work! Pittsburgh will continue to reap the benefits of Mrs. Hillman's work for many years to come. God Bless you all, and you should be proud to be a part of the this wonderful woman's legacy!
Carole Brennan
August 5, 2015
To Matthew and Brooks, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your grandmother. She was a lovely woman who I admired for her humility and sparkling presence. I hope that the many happy memories you have of her will help to heal your hearts.
Your 3rd grade teacher,
Dr. Carole Brennan
Virginia McLaughlin
August 5, 2015
Dear Hillman family my deepest sympathy for your loss. She was an amazing woman who touched so many peoples lives. I will always remember her incredible sense of humor.. The world was a better place because of her.
Marie Scotty
August 5, 2015
My deepest sympathy and prayers.
Robin Clamage
August 5, 2015
Elsie, I will never forget what you did for the Pittsburgh Public Schools with The Amelia Earhart Program. My daughter was a recipient of awards through that program.
May God Bless You And Everyone In The Hillman Family.
You can find the picture of me, Robin Clamage, my sister, Patty Collins, and an excellent person, Elsie Hillman on my sisters Facebook page.
THANK YOU, ELSIE for everything that you have done for everyone.
Robin
Donna Dieterle
August 5, 2015
I did not know Mrs. Hillman personally, but her presense in Pittsburgh is very memerable to all. I have a friend who worked at Hillman and I never once heard anything but praise for Mr. and Mrs. Hillman. You all have my deepest sympathies.
Ray Allen
August 5, 2015
Sympathy & very kindest regards to the Hillman & Hiliard families & the thundering herd of friends of EHH wherever they may be. I was 21 when I first met Elsie; her reputation preceded her, of course. Over the years, we shared many special memories. Some things don't change over the years. We miss Elsie dearly & putting it in a nutshell is easier said than done. 362.25 X 90 is 32,872.5; OK, what gives? E. g., how many lives did Elsie touch for the better over the years? She came, she saw, she conquered & left the world a lot brighter & better. God blessed all of us as our days coincided wher hers. Take care.
August 5, 2015
Dear Lea, Dylan, Talbot, and Henry,
My sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you in the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was truly a great lady and a wonderful role model for all of us. I have nothing but the fondest memories of her and all of you.
Judd Jenkins
(retired SEA French teacher)
August 5, 2015
Dear Hillman and Hilliard Families: I was extremely saddened to read of the passing of Pittsburgh's most revered and beloved iconic leaders. I will never forget how beneficent and caring she was to have volunteered her own counsel, Atty. Freeland, to fly to Houston to assist on an extradition issue for a deserving, indigent, abused woman client of mine after hearing about her plight. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of such a larger-than-life, extraordinary woman, a true mensch.. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
Betsey Owens
August 5, 2015
Dear Henry and family, Elsie was a great lady and a favorite of everyone she met. Her death is a great loss to Pittsburgh and every where she touched. Jess and I are deeply saddened.
Betsey Beeson Owens
Carol Hart
August 5, 2015
I met Mrs. Hillman at her husband's company many years ago. She was very gracious to everyone. I temporarily worked the switchboard and it really lit up when she was in the offices. It was fun to call the White House and Senator Heinz's office for her. And she was always very polite when she asked you to call for her. She was such a bundle of energy, I always felt that she would live forever. I was very saddened to hear of her passing. My sympathies to her husband, family, and many friends.
Nancy Johnston
August 5, 2015
My condolences to the family of Elsie Hillman. She was a great lady. This world needs more people like her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
MARK J. PENTLAND
August 5, 2015
THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH YOU IN IT MRS. HILLMAN, THANK YOU. R.I.P.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY & CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS & IN MY PRAYERS.
Ron Tkach
August 5, 2015
To the Hillman Family: Sorry for your loss. You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy. Pennsylvania is losing a GREAT LADY. I'm sure she is in heaven smiling down on all of us. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Alma Aland
August 5, 2015
Such a compassionate lady. My husband was a patient at Hillman Cancer Center when Mrs Hillman stopped by one day. She stopped and asked us if we needed anything and inquired about our experience there. Her concern was real, her compassion shined through and her smile put us at ease. Her vision ( Hlllman Cancer Center) saved my husbands life and for that we will be forever grateful. This great lady will be missed by many and remembered by all.
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4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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