PROPPE NEE SMITH, Heather Claire

Passed away peacefully on 05 Mar 2026 aged 91 years at the AdventCare Residential Aged Care Nunawading.

Mother to Jo-Anne, Mary-Lou, Suzanne, Kathryn, Anton & Johnathan and Mother-in-Law to Aldo and Kate. Grandmother of nine (Claire, Ashley, Fraser, Jack, Spencer, Jamieson, Louis, Charlotte & McKenzie) and Great Grandmother of five (Owen, Lillian, Geronimo, Jet & Jai).

Heather was the third daughter of Lindsay Collins Smith & Mary Anastasia Crabb. Sister to Joan, Beth (dec), Adrian (dec), Leon (dec) & Christine.

A woman of strength and fortitude, Heather’s life was not always easy, raising six children on her own. Was a formidable cook and baker, making budget meals look 5-star and a dab hand at a homemade apple pie or a heavily sherry-laced trifle. Her baking prowess was taught by her own mother using the CWA cookbooks and these recipes are still in use.

She took solace in her love of painting and was a keen gardener. Heather’s artistic legacy now hangs in the homes of her children. Her green thumb particularly with her maidenhair fern pot plants is legendary. Known to wander the neighbourhood with a basket & a pair of secateurs, so as to snip a cutting of a flower or plant hanging over a fence for potential propagation.

Heather was a woman of style taking great pride in her appearance. She never stepped out the door without hair done, lippy, perfume & one of her many hats on. Keeping up appearances while bed bound & even in her last days, she sat with her hand mirror combing her hair, and with her nails painted.

Though living in the city for majority of her adult life, Heather was a country lass at heart, growing up in Savernake, NSW. Her early years on the family farm was a strong influence and shaped the remainder of her life. Her final resting place will be on the country she held so dear.

A Celebration of Heather’s Life will be celebrated on 22 March 2026 and her ashes to be scattered at a later date.