As written by her son, John Grandson, John, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie.

Milena Neža Finamore, 94, passed away peacefully in her home on February 22, 2026, in Frederick, Maryland, United States. She leaves behind an enduring legacy defined by her devotion to her family and friends and everlasting pride in her Slovenian heritage. Neža, as she was known to those closest to her, was born December 3, 1931, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She was the youngest child of Marko and Antonija (Vilfan) Natlačen. Neža was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Stanko (Stan), Vladimir, Bogumil, Marko (Mark), and Anton (Tony), her sister Marija (Iča) and her husband, Louis. Reverently called Babica (Slovene for grandmother) in later years, she is survived by her beloved sons, Peter and John, her daughters-in-law, Wen and Stephanie, her cherished grandsons, Justin, Christian, Luke, Sean, and Mark, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Neža survived a childhood shattered by historic events. During World War II, Italian fascists, then Nazi occupiers took over her homeland. Her father served as the last Ban (governor) of Drava Banovina (Slovenia) until his assassination in 1942 by the Communist secret police. Following the end of the war and fearing further Communist persecution, Neža’s mother gathered her children, abandoned their home, and fled to Austria, where they lived in a displaced persons camp. In 1949, Neža immigrated alone, as a teenager, to Montréal, Canada where she found work as a nanny. Already able to speak four languages, she quickly learned to speak the French and English of her adopted country. Later, while working at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, she met her colleague and future husband, Louis Finamore. The two were wed in 1952 and celebrated a marriage of more than 60 years. Louis’s career as a general manager for Hilton International and Canadian Pacific Hotels found them and their family residing in hotels around the world – London, England; Bridgetown, Barbados; Victoria, British Columbia; Montréal, Quebec; Toronto, Ontario; Chicago, Illinois; and finally, Honolulu, Hawaii, where they both became American citizens. Neža’s meticulous, organized, and welcoming household provided the bedrock of routine and a sense of normalcy for their sons as they grew up in different cultures and ever-changing environments. She was a steadfast partner to Louis during his long, successful career and was often by his side as they entertained guests that included Hollywood stars, royal families, U.S. presidents, and many other international dignitaries. Neža’s flawless style, her flair for providing exceptional hospitality, and her ability to make conversation easily with anyone (in multiple languages) made her an unforgettable presence. Upon Louis’ retirement, the couple re-settled in Montréal to be close to family and their international circle of friends. An avid walker, Neža enjoyed daily jaunts in the city – usually to her favorite bakery to purchase a fresh baguette or to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy the vistas.

Born at a time and into global circumstances that hindered her as a woman and as a refugee from obtaining a formal university education, Neža was nonetheless an extraordinary intellect who could easily have pursued a career in law, like her father and brother, or in medicine. An indefatigable researcher with an infallible memory until the end, Neža was often mistaken for a medical professional by many a health care provider. The child of a politician, she loved nothing more than a thoughtful political discussion and remained devoted to her disciplined, conservative, Catholic values. Neža always held herself and those around her to impeccable standards. She was an accomplished cook, a voracious reader, and excelled at completing crossword puzzles in ink. Known to have the “gift of the gab”, Neža delighted in conversing with strangers, friends, and family alike. She often spoke for hours by phone to bridge the distances that so regularly separated her from those she cared about most.

In 2010, Neža and Louis relocated one last time to Frederick, Maryland, so that they could be close to their immediate family. In the years she resided there, Neža made new friends and became well-known and highly regarded by the merchants of the shops she frequented. After her husband’s passing in 2013, Neža continued to live alone in their home, fiercely independent and self-sufficient until just a few months ago. She lived a full life and a life filled with love for her family and for her friends. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will remain an eternal blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A memorial mass will be held this summer in Montréal. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Neža’s name to Holy Family Parish, 7355 Rue Lajeunesse, Montréal, QC, H2R 2HR Canada.