Sheila Cisco passed away peacefully at Groton Regency Nursing Home after a long illness on Sunday morning, October 21, just one day before her 62nd birthday.
She was the daughter of the late Mary Lou Willoughby and was raised by her mother and grandparents, George H. and Bertha Wilson Cisco. Mr. Cisco was Chief of the Hassanamisco Band of the Nipmuc Indian Nation (Grafton, MA) for many years, and her grandmother descended from the Historic Eastern Pequot Nation.
Sheila was raised in Groton and resided there all of her life, graduating from Robert E. Fitch Sr. High in 1963. Working for several companies and non-profit organizations, she was widely recognized as a care-giver. She not only was attentive to family members but served those in need in the community – particularly young people – through various support organizations including the Group Homes of Noank and Mystic.
Her desire to ‘give back’ to family, friends and her community was manifested in her volunteerism. She was known for her infectious laugh and sense of humor and known, too, for her highly skilled ability in arts and crafts. Sheila made dolls, toys and collectibles for private and commercial use, often displaying her work at the annual Nipmuc Pow Wows. This creativity was reflected on stage as well through her amateur acting and singing.
She is survived by her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. James W. Cisco and their daughter, Michele Cisco Titi, all of Alexandria, VA; and cousins O. Lysette Titi of Atlanta, GA; Bagnon J.K. Titi of Adelphi, MD; Elizabeth Jordan Miller of Groton; R. Morris Jordan of Oakland, CA; Edward M. Jordan of New London; Robert A. Jordan of Ledyard; Joyce Wilson Wallace of Mystic; and Lawrence E. Wilson, III of Malvern, PA.
A service celebrating Sheila’s life will be conducted at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Friday at 1pm. Burial of her urn will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Franklin Commons, 106 Route 32, Franklin, CT 06254.
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