Born in Detroit, Michigan on April 3, 1930, to Michael and Anna Kopcha, Mildred Anna was one of 5 children. A graduate of Wayne State University, and member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, Mildred held a Master's in Special Education, teaching for 36 years (1953-1989) at Logan School in Detroit.

On November 21, 1953, Mildred married Casimer John Cislo. Together they traveled the world and spent time exploring the USA in their Air Stream. They found their dream home on Cass Lake where they embraced their love of nature through boating, bird watching, and gardening. Avid animal lovers, their home was always a haven for pets. At the time of Casimer's death in 2008, they had celebrated 54 years of marriage.

In addition to teaching, Mildred's life was filled with many passions. An avid chef, she personally purchased the ingredients and made all the food for her large wedding reception. Many will remember the sock monkeys she used to make and the beautiful ceramics she would paint. Multiple projects of embroidery, crewel work, needlepoint, and other crafts would be simultaneously on going. Mildred loved to shop specialty yarn stores and no outing was ever complete without stopping for a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. Though she did not have biological children, Mildred embraces the lives of her nieces and nephews as well as the many children whom she taught.

Raised Russian Orthodox, Mildred was devout in her faith, attending both St. Michael The Arch Angel Orthodox Church in Redford, Michigan and Our Lady of Refuge Church in Orchard Lake, Michigan. An ardent supporter of the Michigan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Mildred was known to frequently help in the physical rescue and placement of abandoned dogs.

Compassionate, generous, and engaging, Mildred was available to help with any need. She lived life fully and with love. Due to incapacitating illness, she moved in with and was cared for by her devoted sister-in-law, Anne Gusfa for 4 years. With her health continuing to decline, Mildred's care was eventually released to the compassionate staff at Marywood Nursing Center in Livonia, Michigan where she received wonderful care during her final 8 1/2 years of earthly life. The tender, sensitive staff at Angela Hospice, assisted Marywood Nursing Care Center in helping Mildred transition to her new life.

Visitation Monday 10:30 am until the 11:30 am Funeral Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City. Memorial contributions in Mildred's memory can be made to your local Food Bank, Marywood Nursing Care Center, or Angela Hospice.