Obituaries - Jan. 25, 1995

Mary Ellen Rice Hillgren; La Canada-Flintridge Civic Leader

Mary Ellen Rice Hillgren, 68, La Canada-Flintridge community leader who was president of the National Assistance League. Along with her husband, former La Canada-Flintridge Mayor Warren Hillgren, she shared the Les Tupper Community Achievement Award, and in 1982 she was named La Canadan of the Year. In 1980, Mrs. Hillgren became president of the local chapter of the Assistance League, which encourages volunteer service and community philanthropy. During her tenure, the group was instrumental in gaining the continuation of threatened summer school programs. She went on to serve on the Assistance League’s national board and was elected president in 1983. Educated at Stanford University, Mrs. Hillgren taught biology, math and physical sciences in Los Angeles schools. She was the founding president of the La Canada-Flintridge Orthopaedic Hospital Guild, chairman of the area’s United Way campaign and a deacon of the La Canada Presbyterian Church. On Friday in La Canada-Flintridge after an extended illness.