Mildred A. Wasko Nissen, 81, of Avoca, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Kindred Hospital Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Wasko, who passed away in 1982, and her second husband, Frank Nissen, who passed away in 2003.

Born in Pittston, she was a daughter of the late John and Anna Kazimer Kavka. She was a graduate of Pittston High School, where she was an honor student. Mildred was employed as a seamstress in the garment industry for several businesses within the Pittston area. Prior to retirement, she was employed as a waitress at Nardone’s Restaurant, West Pittston. She was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston. She was also a member of the ILGWU.

Mildred was a talented singer and was the lead singer of the Paul Burke Combo. She also performed with Willie Nelson and sang for former President Bill Clinton. She was a former member of the Blessed Sacrament church choir.

Mildred was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who was a very caring and loving woman. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Surviving is her son, Thomas Wasko and his wife, Cathy of Port Griffith; her daughter, Sharon Gorzkowski and her husband, Edward of Glendale.; grandchildren, Tracy Shupp, Edward Gorzkowski, Lynne Luckasavage, with whom she resided, Corey Wasko, Michael Gorzkowski and Sarah Milewski; eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by brothers, Daniel and Jack Kavka, and a sister, Eleanor Sim.

Panachida services will be held on Friday (August 16, 2013) at 9:00 A.M. from Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street, Pittston (Port Griffith), Divine Liturgy with the Office of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church 205 N. Main Street, Pittston, the Rev. Gary Mensinger, Administrator, will officiate. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at the funeral home.