JOAN NELSON Obituary

Joan Mallé Nelson (Age 78)
On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of Richard A. Nelson; mother of Lori (Robert) McCarthy and Dilene (Gary) Cruickshank; grandmother of Kevin Daniel (Amanda), Brendan Richard, Joseph Thomas, Mary Katherine and Eric Devon McCarthy; sister of David (Isabel) Mallé. Joan received her bachelor's degree in French from Wagner College and master's degree in library science from Rutgers University. While raising a family with her husband of almost 60 years, she worked as a children's librarian in the New York Public Library system and was head children's librarian of the Ridgewood Library in New Jersey. After moving to the DC area in 1968, she worked in the Montgomery County Public Library system, eventually becoming Branch Manager of the Noyes Children's Library in Kensington. She brought joy to countless children through her penny theaters and story hours. Joan dedicated her life to her family's happiness. She loved taking pictures of her children and grandchildren and created beautiful scrapbooks with all the precious memories. One of her greatest pleasures was taking family train trips that delighted her youngest grandson. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, August 7 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Historic Church, 9700 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday, August 8 at 11 a.m. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOAN NELSON

11 Entries

Irene Briggs

July 29, 2020

I think of Joan often. I miss our lunches and long talks. Her departure has created a huge void. She may be no longer with us but her spirit continues to inspire me.

Saroj Ghoting

August 8, 2017

The very essence of Joan was uplifting. Her values and support of children were always conveyed with dignity and strength. While I learned many things from Joan, from storytelling to sharing poetry and books with young children, it is her bearing that inspired high ideals that will stay with me the most. I was lucky to have known her and will cherish her always.
Saroj Ghoting

Paula Connor

August 8, 2017

Dilene,
It has been so evident how much you deeply love your mother, father, and family.

You are all in my prayers.

Joan will always live in the hearts and minds of all who loved her.

Helen Oertel

August 8, 2017

Sincerest condolences and sympathy to Dilene and the rest of the family for your loss. May your many cherished memories of her bring you warmth and comfort at this difficult time.

Catherine Bradley

August 8, 2017

Our thoughts and prayer our with you.

Maria Pedak-Kari

August 8, 2017

I saw Joan as a pilar of strength when she defended the integrity of children's work in our Montgomery County public libraries. She both developed the quality of our children's story times and defended them against the cutbacks of efficient budgeting. She lived her principles and I was fortunate to work in the same system. She will live on in many, many memories. My sympathy to all those who loved her.

August 7, 2017

Tonight my mother (Barbara Covington) and I were just talking about what an influence Aunt Joan had on my life, and it prompted me to look her up--what timing. I grew up surrounded by such love and gentleness, and I am thankful everyday for that. I love you, Dilene and Lori, and thank you for letting share the beauty of your mother. Godspeed, Melissa Covington

August 6, 2017

Joan was a fabulous colleague at Noyes library. I still hear her voice in my mind when I tell stories that she taught me. She always knew the right book, the right piece of music and the right thing to do. I learned so much by working with her. I mourn her passing - it is a great loss.
elizabeth thornton

Irene Briggs

August 6, 2017

Joan was a very special lady of class, strength and character. During the five years she and I worked together at Noyes, I learned many wonderful things from her about children's literature, programming for preschoolers and storytelling. I will never forget my friend and will miss her terribly. To her family that she loved so dearly, please accept my sincere symphathy for your loss. She will never be forgotten.

(JW)Nina Taylor

August 4, 2017

I am so sorry for your great loss. It is always so very hard to lose a loved one in death. God understands your loss and is near to all those calling on him in prayer. May you look to God for comfort to endure during this most difficult time. (Psalms 145:18) Your family and friends have my deepest condolences

August 4, 2017

Everything your loved one was...kind, honest, caring, wise, thoughtful, loving..lives on in the hearts of friends and family who will never forget. So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort sustain you during your grieving process.

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