Steven Earl Neslen

Steve was the oldest of four boys born to Drs. Earl and Janet Neslen in New York City. He was raised in Washington, D.C. and graduated high school from The Hawthorne School. He received his Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University and earned a Master of Social Work from Catholic University.

He spent his career in public service, including working at the D.C. Commission of Mental Health Services, and St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C. (where he met his wife, Edna). He spent 17 years at the Smithsonian Institution, retiring in 2009 as the manager of their Employee Assistance Program.

In retirement, Steve was devoted to spending time with Edna and his multicultural grandchildren, who called him “Abu” (short for “abuelo”). He loved fishing, working in his garden or on projects in his workshop, going to museums, and planning adventures (or doing just about anything) with his grandchildren. He was active at Forcey Bible Church and joined the board of Forcey Christian School, where he also was a substitute teacher.

Steve was a kind, compassionate, wise and humble man. He had a gracious and giving heart. His love, patience (and tolerance) for his very active and noisy grandchildren seemed never-ending. His dedication to his family and his faith in God were the most important things in his life and they fueled his spirit until the end.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Edna; his daughters Ivonne Lindley and Marie Johnson; his son-in-laws Byron Lindley and Kevin Johnson; his beloved (and over-indulged) grandchildren Jacques (15), Connor (11), Luke (11) and Elena (9); his three brothers Jeff, Mark and David; and many cousins, nieces and nephews spread across the world. He was preceded in death by his parents Drs. Earl and Janet Neslen.

Steve will be missed, but he has left his mark on this world through the lives he touched. He was a blessing in our lives and will forever be in our hearts. Hallelujah!

A Celebration of Life service will be held for people to see virtually only on March 6, 2021 at 10 a.m. Go to www.forcey.org/live for the live stream.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent in memory of Steve to:

1) Forcey Christian School, 2130 E. Randolph Road, Silver Spring MD 20904, or online www.fcs.school/annual-fund

2) JSSA Hospice, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852, or online, www.jssa.org/donatenow and select “Hospice”