Florence H. Fifield, a retired executive secretary and volunteer, died April 25 in a fire at Charlesgate Apartments in Towson. She was 96.
Florence Harding was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and after graduating in 1927 from business college, went to work as an executive secretary for General Motors Corp. in Detroit.
That year, she married Evan Fifield, a manufacturers' representative, who died in 1978.
Mrs. Fifield moved from New York City to Baltimore in the early 1970s. She became executive secretary of the Voluntary Council on Equal Opportunity in 1972, a post she held until retiring in 1997.
"This was a civic organization composed of the presidents and CEOs of leading local companies, and their mission was to help promote sound business training and background education for Baltimore City schoolchildren," said longtime friend Ginger Beste of Sparks.
Mrs. Fifield also volunteered with the Rotary Club of Hunt Valley and helped the organization buy and distribute dictionaries in Baltimore public schools.
"In appreciation for her work, she was made an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Hunt Valley," Mrs. Beste said.
Mrs. Fifield, who enjoyed parties, was known for her colorful millinery.
Services were held Wednesday.
Mrs. Fifield is survived by a cousin, Donald McGee of Cleveland.
