Activist Ruth Ellen Lindenberg, 91
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
Ruth Ellen Lindenberg, an advocate for patients' rights and for the uninsured and a familiar face at the Legislature for the better part of three decades, died May 7 at the Mauna Lani Nursing Home. She was 91.
Lindenberg and her husband, Lindy, moved to Hawai'i in 1971. She immediately became involved in several community organizations. She was a member of the Welfare and Employment Rights Commission, AARP State Legislative Committee (serving as state chairwoman in 1992), National Association of Social Workers-Hawai'i, the Honolulu Media Council and the ACLU.
Lindenberg
In 1985 she was Social Worker of the Year for the National Association of Social Workers-Hawai'i.
In 2001 she became president of the Kokua Council, an advocacy group for senior citizens.
"Ruth Ellen was a pioneer in social work," longtime friend Laura Manis said. "I miss her almost every day. At least three times a day I feel like calling her and asking her opinion."
Lindenberg was born in Eden, N.Y., where she spent her elementary years in a one-room schoolhouse. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Oberlin College in 1930 and went on to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work.
She began her career as a medical social worker at teaching hospitals in Chicago and Pittsburgh.
She is survived by a daughter, Sue McClelland of Spokane, Wash., daughter-in-law Catherine Lindenberg, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held 11:30 a.m. May 24 at the Kokua Council Meeting at Harris Methodist Church. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Kokua Council, 1350 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu HI 96814.
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
