Joan Diane VanLeuven Nelson, age 87, of Hockessin, DE, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. She was preceded in death by Firman, her beloved husband of 61 years.
Joan proudly achieved her Master’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware mid-career, while remaining a devoted wife, mother, and respected nursing instructor at Delaware Technical and Community College. Combining devotion to her faith and community with a passion for taking care of people, she then became a Parish Nurse. She found her calling by integrating her faith and nursing skills to provide higher levels of wellness, specifically for the geriatric and indigent communities.
Joan was a supportive, encouraging, and loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She cherished her children, grandchildren and most recently a great granddaughter. In addition to an enduring love for her family, Joan was passionate about her church fellowship at Hockessin United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, playing bridge, being a member of the church knitting group, reading, crossword puzzles, dining out with friends and family, and her beloved companion Riley, her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.
Joan is survived by brothers Bill and Bruce (Joyce), daughters Caryn (Gary) and Sally, son Steven (Marisa), granddaughters Katie (Brian) and Emma (Ty) and great granddaughter Grace.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 10-11:00 am at the Hockessin United Methodist Church, 7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, 19707. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hockessin United Methodist Church at https://hockessinumc.org/giving/ or mail to 7250 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707.
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