Alice M. Pullen dedicated countless hours to church groups and political activities. The wife of a former Park Ridge alderman and the mother of a former Illinois state representative, she volunteered for many years as a campaign and legislative aide. “She was freely giving of herself to anyone in need,” said her daughter, Pam Reed. “She had a heart for the underdog. She had a strong connection to justice and fairness.” Mrs. Pullen, 84, of Arlington Heights, died of pneumonia and congestive heart failure Wednesday, July 2, in Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge. Born and raised in the Town of Tonawanda, N.Y., Mrs. Pullen graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1937 and completed a bachelor’s degree in English and received her teaching certification from the University of Buffalo in 1941. In 1945 she married John Pullen, her late husband of 48 years. She later was financial secretary for 1st Presbyterian Church in Tonawanda. In 1960 the family moved to Park Ridge. A 30-year colorectal cancer survivor, Mrs. Pullen was active in the United Ostomy Association. Her daughter Penny, a former state representative, founded the Life Advocacy Resource Project, an anti-abortion group, in 1992, and Mrs. Pullen took charge of the phones and mailing. In the 1970s she and her husband spent vacations running the Resort 66 Motel in Holmes Beach, Fla., which they co-owned. Other survivors include a granddaughter. A service was held Saturday in Park Ridge.
