[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 122 (Wednesday, October 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO PRISCILLA HILLGREN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2000

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
American, and I am proud to recognize Priscilla A. Hillgren in the 
Congress for her invaluable contributions and service to our nation.
  Priscilla Hillgren distinguished herself through her devotion to her 
family, friends, and community. She was born in Beresford, South Dakota 
on June 26th, 1904, the daughter of a Lutheran minister. Her family 
instilled in her the value of an education, and she and her sisters 
attended college, which she interrupted twice to teach in a country 
school.
  One of the happiest days of her life surely must have been June 26th, 
1929, when she married Ralph O. Hillgren, who was city editor of the 
Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Many more happy days 
followed, thanks to the births of her son John, her daughters Annette 
Bray and Sonja Hillgren Hill, two grandchildren, five great-
grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and three step great-
grandchildren.
  Priscilla Hillgren is probably best-known for her work with mentally 
handicapped children at three Sioux Falls private schools from 1958 to 
1972. Her generosity and hard work touched many families in that area, 
and her legacy will inspire those who continue to provide these 
important services.
  She also was active in the American Association of University Women, 
with membership in two AAUW book groups, and was honored by AAUW as a 
Named Gift Recipient in 1977. Moreover, Priscilla was president of the 
Augustana College Auxiliary, and a member of the Civic Fine Arts Center 
and the American Legion Auxiliary, among other organizations.
  Sadly, Priscilla Hillgren passed away last month. Her congregation at 
the First Lutheran Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher for 26 
years, will miss her greatly, as will her family and friends.
  I am among this group, and on behalf of the Congress I extend my 
deepest sympathies to her family, even as I encourage them to join me 
in celebrating her extraordinary life.

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