Hila Michaelsen

Hila Frances Michaelsen died peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband Jack, her daughter Rachel, Rachel's partner Steve, her grandchildren Will, Abby, Steve, and Alex, and a wide circle of friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Irving and Roslyn Seideman, her brother William, and her son Aaron. Most of her mother's family perished in the Holocaust.Hila was born in New York City, and moved to Mt. Vernon, NY at age 2. She earned a B.A. in American Studies at Rockford College, Rockford, IL, in 1956; a certificate from the Harvard Radcliffe Business Administration Program in 1957; and a Master's in Social Work from the UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare in 1965. Hila and her family benefited from many learning experiences with noted family therapist Virginia Satir.While earning her certificate from Harvard, Hila had an internship at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. She was assigned to conduct street interviews, asking younger women why they didn't use Noxzema skin cream. (Jack says, "all you have to do is smell it, and there's your answer.") It was this internship that brought Hila to Chicago, where she met Jack, her husband for 66 years.Hila profoundly enjoyed her work as a social worker oriented especially to family therapy. For 10 years, she worked in the child custody and divorce mediation program of Santa Cruz County. She served as Acting Director of the Family Service Agency in 1973, then worked in private practice until her retirement in 2018. She co-authored a book in 1980, First Time Out: Skills for Living Away from Home.Hila served the community in many roles, including on the Boards of Planned Parenthood of Santa Cruz, Temple Beth El, Cabrillo Contemporary Music, and Santa Cruz Chamber Players (including 8 years as the Chamber's President). She also served on the Santa Cruz County Women's Commission. She and Jack were avid supporters of local performing arts, including theater, music, and dance. They went frequently to San Francisco for cultural events and to visit friends. They were world travelers.Hila was a strong woman who stood up for her rights and for justice. During World War II her parents were politically active, taking her on many marches for war relief. In 2016 she felt impelled to march again for justice.Hila was generous to a fault.Donate in Hila's honor to Temple Beth El, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, or the Santa Cruz Chamber Players.A memorial event will be held early next year. For information, visit: www.hila-m.weebly.com