Nancy L. Vukovich

Nancy Lee Vukovich, age 76, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister and
friend, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at Ginger Cove, in Annapolis,
Maryland. A longtime resident of Odenton and Annapolis, Maryland, she touched so
many with her warmth, kindness, and love.
Born on September 24, 1948, in Washington, D.C. to Roger and Virginia Payne, Nancy
graduated from Walt Whitman High School and began her career working for the
National Security Agency. Nancy always led her life with a big heart. As a stay-at-home
mom, in retail sales, as a community organizer, or as a special educator with Anne
Arundel County Public Schools, she loved helping others and always supported, uplifted
and brought joy to those around her.
Nancy created a home full of love and hospitality at 599 Chapelgate Drive, welcoming
all as the consummate hostess, fabulous cook, and neighborhood mom. She regularly
hosted bridge nights, baby and bridal showers, large holiday, and birthday and
graduation parties.
She was also active as a school and community organizer, well
known for her dedicated volunteer efforts with the Gambrills Odenton Recreation
Council (GORC) Wildcats football, lacrosse, and cheerleading teams, Waugh Chapel
Swim Club, and Arundel High Athletic Boosters, just to name a few.
With boundless positive energy, and her deep love of her family, friends and community, Nancy made
this work seem effortless with a beautiful smile, great laugh, and giving personality.
In her role as "Nana", Nancy was cherished by her eight grandchildren and loved them
back with all of her heart. She was a tireless babysitter, creating fun times and
memories with her singing, dancing, cooking, hugging, and gift-giving over the years.
The grand-kids often called her "Nana Claus" during the holiday season.
Throughout her life, Nancy was a beach-lover, with Ocean City being one of her favorite
places to vacation. She was known for her love of cooking, making meals that brought
people together, and for her love of shopping. Nancy also enjoyed her Saint Bernards
that she loved and raised throughout her life – Neal, Aphrodite, Nicky, Beamer, and
Denton all held a special place in her heart.
Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert M. Vukovich and dear
brothers Roger Payne, Jr. and Robert Payne. She is survived by her son, Jeff Sykes
(Meghan) of Edgewater, MD; her daughter, Jackie Russell (Bill) of Annapolis, MD; her
son, Joseph Vukovich (Kim) of Manila, Philippines; her sister, Charlotte Kerns Eaton of
Mt. Airy, MD; grandchildren: Jack, Caroline, and Henry Sykes; Hunter and Madeline
Russell; Indigo, Hazel, and Violet Vukovich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy's loving heart, generous soul, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and forever
remembered by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Nancy's life on Monday, May 19,
2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hardesty Funeral Home, 851 Annapolis Rd,
Gambrills, MD 21054. A funeral service will follow from 12:30 p.m.to 1:00 p.m.
Burial services will be held at 1:45 p.m. at the Maryland Veterans Crownsville Cemetery,
1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD 21032.