Joan H. Nixon

Joan H. Nixon, 84, of Greenwich Connecticut, died peacefully at her home from leukemia. She was the loving daughter of Arthur and Elise Nixon, and was predeceased by her three siblings, Arthur and Robert Nixon and Ethel Ackerly. She is survived by her nephews, Steven, Glenn and Artie Nixon, her nieces, Suzanne Nixon and Cathy Nixon-Heibel and her great nephews, Matthew Torrenzano, Eric, Cody and Dylan Nixon, and great nieces, Nicole Torrenzano, Vanessa and Jamie Nixon.

A graduate of Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, she began her successful career as a young secretary at the advertising firm of Doherty, Clifford, Steerso, Shenfield, Inc. on 5th Avenue in NY, NY. City life appealed to Joan, and she developed a love of fashion, theater and dining out. Her zest for adventure began at this time, and she spent many vacation traveling stateside and internationally with friends and family. After seven years with the firm, in 1962, Joan relocated to Coco Beach, Florida, where she took a prestigious position as the executive secretary to Najeb Halaby, Chairman of the Board of Pan Am Airlines, at the time, the largest international air carrier. After its’ collapse in 1991, Mr. Halaby asked Joan to continue on as his personal executive secretary. Thrilled with the opportunity, she moved to Washington, D.C. and developed close relationships with his wife Allison and their three children, Alexa, Christian and Lisa- who later married King Hussein of Jordon to become Queen Noor. When Mr. Halaby fell ill, it is with high praise and accolades, he recommended her to his friend, Andrew Rockefeller, of Greenwich, CT as a personal executive secretary. Joan was a committed and loyal employee to “Andy”, as she said, until his death.

A family person by nature, Joan had an enduring love and connection with her parents, siblings and in particular, her older sister, Ethel, with whom she lived with for over three decades. Joan enjoyed “Greenwich Life”, was passionate about golf, organizing “Guys and Gals” tournaments at the local golf club. Friends loved Joan, and would marvel at her enthusiasm for life, upbeat energy and friendliness. A devoted Catholic, Joan drew strength from her faith and religious community. She will be missed by all.