Elizabeth Herrick, 76; Headmistress at Westridge School

Elizabeth Edmundson Herrick, 76, former headmistress of the Westridge School in Pasadena who later served as president of Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School, died July 9 at her home in Pasadena.

The cause of death was not announced.

Herrick’s involvement with Westridge, a college preparatory school for girls in grades 4 through 12, began in 1952, when she joined the faculty as a teacher of American history. She was appointed headmistress in 1959 and served in that role until 1973. She was on the board of trustees from 1991 to 2001.

Herrick was president of Pacific Oaks, also located in Pasadena, from 1977 to 1985. She oversaw significant expansion programs at both schools, including the $25-million campaign to expand the Westridge campus. Herrick was also president of the California Assn. of Independent Schools and was active in the National Assn. of Independent Schools.

Born in Peterborough, N.H., she earned her bachelor’s degree at Regis College in Westin, Mass., and her master’s degree at Radcliffe.