In 1952, after additional study at the University of Pennsylvania and Bryn Mawr College, Mrs. Slivka was certified as a supervisor and field instructor for graduate students.
She was appointed director of social service for the hospital in 1961. She also became director of the outpatient clinic, responsible for services when patients were discharged.
From a department that then had only 10 members, Mrs. Slivka gradually increased staff until, at its peak, it included 65 social workers and caseworkers.
Mrs. Slivka, known for being progressive and compassionate, is credited with implementation of Philadelphia State Hospital's Medical Assistance program, which provided support for patients unable to contribute to their care.
In 1967, she helped found the Philadelphia Mental Health Coordinating Council, a pioneering organization meant to foster cooperative relations between state hospitals and community mental health centers.
When Mrs. Slivka retired in 1978, Byberry quoted Dr. Daniel Blain, a former superintendent of Philadelphia State Hospital and a former president of the American Psychiatric Association, as having said: ``In all my experience with many psychiatric institutions, the Social Service Department at Philadelphia State Hospital proved to be among the very best.'' Byberry closed in 1990.
Mrs. Slivka had 40 years of state service, having earlier worked for what later became the Pennsylvania Board of Public Assistance.
Preceding her in death were her brothers Stanley and Matthew Cwiklinski and Adolph Marian.
Surviving are a daughter, Valerie Perotti; brothers, Walter and Casimir Cwiklinski; and three grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. today at L.A. DiGiacomo Funeral Home, 1055 Southampton Rd., Philadelphia. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon today at St. Christopher's Roman Catholic Church, 13301 Proctor Rd., Philadelphia. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Langhorne.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work, Caster Building, Philadelphia 19104-6214.
