Dependable, caring, kind, gentle, devoted, generous, and calm, are just a few of the adjectives describing Anne Gusfa, born on November 4, 1922.  The only daughter of Frank and Rosalie Cislo, Anne, or Anna as she was known at a younger age, grew up with 5 brothers in a Polish speaking household where their heritage and devout Catholic faith were embraced and espoused throughout their lives.

From an early age, Anne was an advocate for those challenged with life circumstances.  Having immigrant parents, she was integral in their learning the English language as well as how to maneuver in a foreign culture.  One of her most cherished memories occurred at the age of 15 when she took her mom to be sworn in as an American citizen. She was also a lifelong advocate for her older brother, Edward, who became deaf as a result of scarlet fever at the age of 18 months.

Anne married her only love, Walter Gusfa when he returned from Pearl Harbor and together they had three children, James, Gregory, and Rosemarie.  In the early 60's, when Walter became incapacitated due to Huntington's Disease, she became the sole bread winner, utilizing her nursing Degree from Mercy College.  While raising her children and working full time, Anne also earned her Masters in Nursing Administration and became the Director of Nursing at St. Mary Hospital in Livonia (now known as St. Mary Mercy) for 25 years, retiring in 1988.  Prior to being the Director of Nursing, she served as their Director of Education and taught at Madonna College. Additionally, Anne served on the Board of Directors for Marywood Nursing Care Center.  Once retired, her nursing skills and advocacy continued as she took many family members into her home, doling huge amounts of TLC on them during their terminal illness or because of life's circumstances.

It was rare that you did not hear the descriptors "very sweet, thoughtful, and such a special lady" spoken in conjunction with her name.  Several nieces and nephews referred to her as their favorite aunt or as a second mother. Wherever she went, she had a gift for remembering the names and details about an individuals life, no matter how brief their encounter.  Gifts were alway specially selected for each recipient and generously given.  Her grandchildren remember spending vacations together at Drummond Island, Easter Brunch at the Dearborn Inn, or Santa coming in person to give them their Christmas present.  They remember 10 course meals with just as many desserts.  Busia was famous for her cheesy potatoes, cheesecake, and endless platters of cookies.  (Her favorite were Kolachki's and Chrusciki).

Anne was very proud to have met her personal goal of living independently for the entire 99 years she was graced with. She loved to tell people her age and watch their surprised reaction; she didn't look or act as if she were closing the gap on 100.  Her life contained buckets of heartache and trials, but also vats overflowing with love and grace.  We can only imagine the uncontainable excitement at the pearly gates as she walked into the arms of her husband Walter, son Gregory, grandchildren Lauren and Jacob, all her brothers, and a myriad of other relatives and friends.  Left on earths' shore to kiss her farewell are her children, James and Barbara Gusfa, and Rosemarie and Roger Robertson; grandchildren, Kristen and Len Palmer, Steven and Angela Gusfa, Nathan and Heather Robertson, Adam Robertson, and Corinne Robertson; great-grandchildren Jillian, James, Lillie, Alyssa, Jonah, Greysen, Fynn, Grant, Melena, and Max; sister in law, Stephanie Cislo, and many nieces and nephews.

Donations in Anne's memory may be made to Special Olympics, Eversight, and Huntington Disease Society of America.  Due to Covid restrictions, a luncheon after internment will not be held.

P.S.- If you are reading this, you must have touched Anne's life in some way.  We know she treasured all her interactions during her lifetime and loved people. Her family is forever grateful to you for however you blessed her 99 years and so we toast you. Na Zdrowie!

Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church On Wednesday, December 22, at 11am with entombment to follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery. Gathering at the church at 10:30am