Elena Wolfskill Thornton, 90; Descendant of Pioneer Family

Elena Wolfskill Thornton, a descendant of one of California’s earliest pioneer families and the woman who served as “La Reina de Los Angeles” for the city’s 160th anniversary celebration in 1941, has died. She turned 90 on Sept. 20.

Thornton, who was also an actress on radio and stage, died Monday at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.

She had a history of heart problems and diabetes.

Thornton was chosen as queen of the city in part because she was the great-granddaughter of William Wolfskill.

He was a Kentucky trapper who came to California along the Santa Fe Trail and helped to establish the state’s citrus and wine industries.

In 1841, Wolfskill married Magdalena Lugo, who was a member of an old and prominent Mexican land grant family.

As Elena Moore, Thornton appeared in many stage productions in Los Angeles and elsewhere, and had roles on radio soap operas, including “Life Can Be Beautiful” and “The Goldbergs.”

She married William Thornton, also an actor, at the Santa Barbara Presidio Chapel, where her great-great-grandfather and his bride had been the first couple to sign the marriage book in 1786.

At the time of her death, Thornton was living with her daughter, Conchita Marusich, in La Canada Flintridge. She also is survived by a son, John, of Tucson; and seven grandchildren.