Joan Warrington Elson

1951 - 2023

Joan Warrington Elson

April 5, 1951 - May 17, 2023

NAPA - Joan Warrington Elson, 72 years old, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband Harold Edwards; her daughter, Jennifer Elson; her son, Christopher Elson (wife, Gina Elson, and son, Hunter Elson); her beloved brothers, their spouses and her adored nieces and nephews.

Joan was born on April 5, 1951, in Trail British Columbia, Canada. She moved to California, when she was 19 years old, with a heart for adventure. An avid learner, she accomplished many things in life like receiving her bachelor's degree of Marine Biology from San Francisco State University; she co-created Coloring Concepts, a publishing company and was a publisher and editor for many scientific books, including The Anatomy Coloring Book. In later life, she earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Counseling, specializing in grief. She worked for Hospice of Napa Valley for 11 years counseling families and individuals throughout the valley. She then opened her successful private practice until she retired in 2018.

Joan loved to be creative, which showed up in many ways. She was a gifted gardener and loved to spend her days in her garden. She became very skilled at quilting and knitting, creating and gifting her masterpieces of quilts, knitted creatures, clothing and more to loved ones. She had a love of nature and was often collecting rocks, feathers and shells.

As an explorer of self and the world, she acquired her black belt in Aikido, traveled to China, Japan, Europe and most of the North American continent. In her retirement, she loved to go on adventures with her husband Harold and their dogs. She was happiest when she was with her family and near water, whether it be swimming in a creek, exploring tide pools or even floating in her swimming pool. Joan was an exceptional woman who was well loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

There will be a service at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA, on June 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow.