Hilda O. Micari, worked for Western Electric

Hilda O. Micari, whose career at Western Electric Corp. spanned four decades, died Feb. 13 of a cardiac arrest at the Charlestown retirement community in Catonsville, where she had lived for 20 years.

She was 96.

The daughter of a banker and a seamstress, the former Hilda Ott was born in Baltimore and raised near Patterson Park.

After graduating from city public schools, she earned a bachelor's degree in 1938 from Washington College, where she was a charter member of Alpha Omicron Pi.

Mrs. Micari worked briefly for the city Department of Public Welfare before taking a job with Western Electric in 1941, where she rose to chief of college relations and education programs. She retired in 1981.

For many years, Mrs. Micari had tutored inner-city students, and in 1989, Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke presented her with a Citizen Citation Award "in recognition for special contributions and assistance to Baltimore Public Schools and the Citizens of Baltimore."

The longtime Loch Raven Boulevard resident was active with the Baltimore Federation of Women's Clubs for more than 70 years. She was also a member of the Women's Club of Glen Hill.

She also had remained active with the Washington College Alumni Association, of which she had been president and had been awarded the college's Alumni Service Award in 1987.

Mrs. Micari had been a Baltimore Colts season ticket holder. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling.

Her husband of 68 years, Frederick S. Micari, who had been a senior administrator for Bendix Corp., died in 2010.

A memorial Mass will be offered at 1 p.m. Feb. 25 at Charlestown retirement community, 711 Maiden Choice Lane.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com