Mila Horne

Mila Horne was born on March 6, 1947, as a Russian emigrant in the bustling city of Tianjin, China and moved with her family to Brazil when she was five as did thousands of other Russians seeking refuge. She was in São Paulo and went to a Catholic school with her brother, George, who was a couple of years younger. Finally in 1959 her family was cleared to come to the United States, and settled in San Francisco. Mila had already developed a profound appreciation for different cultures and traditions, which later translated into her love for travel.

Mila hit the ground running once she became a US citizen, and began working at Dolphin Real Estate in Pacifica. By 1974, Mila was officially a Realtor, bought herself a yellow Corvette and officially rocked it with her horn-rimmed glasses and bee-hive hair do! Her own real estate investment a few years earlier was a house she bought for $5000 (and still owns)! It’s safe to note, the Mila continued an appreciation for “quality” yet sporty vehicles throughout her lifetime.

She eventually sold enough inventory to purchase and sell two other homes, in Belmont and San Carlos, but fell in love with her final resting home in Redwood City. It was the first home in the area built in 1927, and Mila just loved all the history and charm it exuded!

In 1988, she undertook the role of a Mortgage Broker juggling two demanding roles simultaneously and still leading her office in sales year after year. Her dedication and hard work were evident in her successful career that stretched over two decades.

When the market faded, and she was laid off in the mid 90’s, Mila took it upon herself to release her creative spirit and begin numerous DIY projects for her new home. She cleverly used paint and decoupage long before Pinterest entered the scene! She loved to restore old things into something new and beautiful.

She also used that time to go back to school. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences from California State College in Hayward.

She went on to have an equally successful career as a software educator. Her position allowed her to travel to new cities throughout the world, which rekindled her desire for traveling adventures.

Mila was more than just her professional accomplishments. She had a variety of interests that painted a vivid picture of her personality. She loved flowers, and her house was often adorned with beautiful arrangements that she made herself. Flea markets were a fun weekend jaunt with her friends, where she would hunt for unique pieces to add to her collection. She had a penchant for DIY crafts, which she often used to beautify her home or gift to her loved ones. She loved her pets well, cats Samantha and Caesar and is often pictured with her canine companion Taz. Photography was another interest that she pursued, capturing exquisite moments and scenic beauty through her lens. She wore lots of leopard print clothes, and in her latter years, discovered the fun in television and o line shopping! When Mila found something she liked, she bought one in every color.

She was an avid cyclist and would take long rides and camp across the country and even in Europe with her friend who shared in the adventure!

Mila’s retirement only opened the door for a new chapter. She began traveling with her cousin to exotic places, including Antarctica, Alaska, and Tanzania and brought back many souvenirs that don her home.

The fact that Mila endured and beat 2 different cancer diagnosis’ and bravely fought through chemo treatments and surgeries, (one being pancreatic) is utterly miraculous. While this season in her life was painful, her attitude toward it was incredible. She came out with a new found love for Jesus, and zest for life as she always said she is living on borrowed time. She was very grateful for the next 12 years she had, visiting her nieces, cousin, and meeting her grand nieces and nephews in Florida; and spending casual weekend evenings enjoying wine and music with friends at the square! She made friends and family important, and took life in stride with her unique, beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. Those are some of her favorite memories.

Once she found out her cancer had returned, she was determined to fight it out again. In fact her fierce independence and determination to not burden others, is such a testament to her character. It was not until the final weeks of her life that she admitted to friends and family that she needed some help. Fortunately in her final hours she was surrounded by her family and loving caregivers, and peacefully took her last breath holding her niece’s hand on the morning of September 11th 2023. Mila's legacy continues to live and inspire. She was a woman of strength, passion, and kindness whose memories are cherished by all who knew her.

Memorial event will be taking place at the Russian Orthodox Church of the Saints in Burlingame, and her home in Redwood City on September 20th and 21st. Her final resting place with her family will be at the Serbian Cemetery in Colma.

Panikheda Wednesday September 20th 5-5:30 at 744 El Camino Real in Burlingame (park in back) 

Church Service - Thursday September 21st 11 am-12 pm

at 744 El Camino Real BurlingameFollowed by procession to Serbian Cemetery- 1-1:45pm located at 1801 Hillside in Colma. 

Celebration of life potluck to follow at her home at 723 Upland Rd.in Redwood City. Flowers appreciated. We will bring them to her gravesite on Friday.