Nevenka "Nancy" Propf

Nevenka “Nancy” Propf, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and cherished family member passed away peacefully on Monday December 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on June 16, 1934, on the island of Olib, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) to Mihovil and Jakova (nee Kleva) Radov, Nancy arrived in New York City in 1939. Her mother, along with daughters Marija and Nevenka emigrated from Olib via ferry to mainland Yugoslavia, then via train through Italy to Le Havre, France where they boarded the last ocean liner to the USA/NYC before World War II in November 1939. They settled in the midtown area near the waterfront where their husband/father, Mihovil…who arrived in 1935…was employed as a Longshoreman. She grew up in Hell’s Kitchen where her brother was born in 1942. She made many friends in school, especially with the students and the teacher in the drama group where she worked behind the scenes. She eventually moved to the Upper East Side with her sister Mary and her cousin, Dorothy. She was an Executive Secretary throughout her life, starting in 1956 working for the VP of Sears & Roebuck in New York and finishing her career at Marsh & McClellan Insurance Company here in Baltimore. She met Jack in New York City at a work Christmas party, as the story goes. He was born and raised in Towson, Maryland and went to the big city for an adventure and change of scenery! They married in 1960 in New York City and soon moved to Westview Park (near Catonsville) shortly thereafter where they raised their children. She enjoyed living in the typical suburban neighborhood with many neighborhood families. Outside of work and her children’s (and grandchildren’s) activities, she very much enjoyed gardening. She spent many summer days working in her beautiful garden and her daughter Jenny’s yard! She grew many flowers and vegetables that she shared with neighbors and friends. She also enjoyed live theater and music. She and Jack volunteered for ‘Senior Box Office’ for many years after retirement where they enjoyed many shows and musical performances here in Baltimore. They eventually moved a few miles away to Lochearn and most recently she lived at Brightview Catonsville. Nancy loved to talk to everyone and to find out all about them and also share her family story. Her 2 favorite questions were ‘Are you American born? I’m from Croatia’ and ‘Who do you belong to?’ meaning ‘how do I know you?’ Although they are both politically incorrect, she meant them in the sweetest and most genuine way and really wanted to know. Fortunately, people understood this! Nancy lived a life filled with love, strength, and devotion to her family. She was known for her kindness, gentle spirit and unwavering support for all those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and selflessness. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, John “Jack” Thomas Propf and survived by her children Jenny Ward (Chas), Larry Propf (Chrisy) and Son-In-Law Tom Ward, cherished grandchildren; Nicholas Ward (Amber), Kevin Ward (Angie), Joey Ward. And great-grandchildren, Nicholas Jr., Makenzie and Greyson; beloved siblings Michael Radov and Marija (Mary) Poling, wife of the late Isaac “Ike” Poling; nephew Michael Poling and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She is also survived by many loving caregivers from Sarah’s Loving Care and for the past year at BrightView Catonsville WellSpring Village. There are so many of you that have been so kind, thoughtful and caring. You have all taken care of our mom as if she were your own and there is nothing better than that. We are forever grateful for your time with her and your thoughts and prayers.

Family and friends may gather at Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 on Sunday, January 4, 2025 for a Visitation from 2:00pm-4:00pm, with a Funeral Service starting at 4:00pm. A Private Graveside Service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nancy’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011) or to Gilchrist (11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031) or online at gilchristcares.org/donate.