Veronica B. Progar

1925 - 2022

Veronica B. Progar, 96, of Houston, passed way peacefully Thursday, February 24, 2022, in her home, surrounded by her devoted family.

She was born and raised in Shouptown, a small Slovenian neighborhood in Strabane, on June 12, 1925, a daughter of the late Frank and Caroline Sterle Barbish.

Veronica was a graduate of Chartiers High School, and was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, St. Oscar Romero Parish, in Meadowlands.

She had been employed at a few different jobs prior to her retirement, including the role of Sports Editor and writer for the former Daily Notes newspaper in Canonsburg, and Pennformer Credit Bureau of Canonsburg for a few years. Veronica the went on to work in the accounting office at Canonsburg General Hospital, and cafeterias in a few Chartiers-Houston Schools. She later volunteered in the snack shop at the hospital.

Her most significant role was matriarch to her family. She did her best to keep not only her immediate family in line, but all her brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well. When the family visited, she made sure that they were all well fed and encouraged them to keep in touch with each other, no matter the circumstances. To Veronica, family was always most important, even when there was a fight, separated by thousands of miles, or flat out didn't like each other. She would always say, "but they're your family, your blood." She would encourage welcoming new members of the family who may have different styles or ideas. Veronica would warmly welcome them, always be kind, help them feel included and encourage the rest of the family to do the same.

Besides her family whom she loved deeply, Veronica enjoyed listening to Polka music, speaking Slovenian, collecting postcards, reading, baking, shopping and sitting on the porch swing talking with her family and friends. She was an avid bowler.

On July 12, 1947, she married her beloved husband, William Progar, who survives after 74 years of marriage.

After Bill returned home from World War II, he took her to polka dances at Drenik's Park and they spent many hours sitting on the porch swing and talking.

Also left behind to cherish her memory is her daughter, Chris Hervol and her husband Rick, of Strabane; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeff) Wolfe and Bill (fiancee Nina Aquino) Hervol; great-grandson, Oliver; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Progar was the last of her immediate family. Deceased in addition to her parents, are two children, Billy and infant Nancy; granddaughter, Lisa; her brothers, Frank, Harry and Ray, and their wives Jean, Martha and Marge Barbish, all of whom she is now happy to be reunited with and feeding them potica and coffee in heaven.

Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2022, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner / supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where a Catholic Blessing Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp.

To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.