She was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Marquette, Mich., and was a resident of Ventura County for 64 years coming from Marquette. Joan worked as a registered nurse in obstetrics at old St. John's for 40 years. She was a lifelong avid reader in English and French history, the Classics, she enjoyed theater, Classical music, baking both new and traditional food recipes, crocheting afghans, enjoyed doing the Sunday Times crossword puzzle, being with family and friends, and most of all loved her job and retired after 40 years when her "babies were becoming grandmothers."
Joan was preceded in death by her husband Norman Nelson in 1969.
She is survived by her children: daughter, Allyn Leota Gazzarine, son, Scott N. Nelson, son, Todd Nelson; brother, Rex Bignall; granddaughter, Jacquelynn Nelson Kennedy; great-grandchild, Christinn Kennedy; son-in-law, Alan Gazzarine; niece, Lynda Blake; nephew, Joe Nelson.
A private memorial will be held for immediate family.