Joan Marie Nelson

Our dear sister Joan passed away peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of April 4, 2026, on Holy Saturday. Following a much-needed surgery and a long hospitalization, Joan developed respiratory distress and failure. While in the hospital her constant desire was to go "back home." Doctors, nurses and staff at St. John's Hospital made every effort to help Joan heal, but her body finally wore out. She is now at peace, "back home," resting in the arms of Our Lord. Joan was a long-time member of the Enrich, Inc. family. This is a family of very special individuals with developmental disabilities and the people who care for them. She was loved greatly and will be missed by her friends, as well as by the staff and all the helpers she met over the years at Enrich. Joan delighted in lilies, amaryllis, telescopes, sparkly jewelry, and babies. Especially babies in their mother's wombs! Every pregnant mother was special to her. She would "take their pulse" and tell them they were okay. She loved the baby's ultrasound pictures. Joan touched so many lives and was touched by many. Because of her disability she lived a life of simple needs, trusting in the love and care of so many people God placed in her life. She was a beautiful example of the kind of trust we all should have in the Lord. Joan was preceded in death by our parents, Howard and Janet, and our sister Judy, who all did their utmost to ensure Joan had the most loving care possible. She leaves behind her brother Mark and wife Nini, sister Cindy and husband John, and brother-in-law Tom. She had many nieces and nephews who cared for and loved her deeply: Lindsy (Patrick), Kathy (Bill), Mary, Alex (Katie), Theresa (Dan), Ben, Mike, and Mark, and many loving great-nieces and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joan's group home ENRICH, for their Disney Fund to assist residents for a trip to Disney World, or to 21 ROOTS FARM, a small farm set up near Stillwater for people with Downs Syndrome and other developmental disabilities to experience farm life. For more information go to www.21rootsfarm.org.

Joan Marie Nelson

May 6, 1960 - April 4, 2026

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