Joan W. Nelson

Joan W. Nelson, 92, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in El Paso, TX. Joan was born and raised in New York and that’s where she met and married the love of her life, Bill Nelson. As a proud and devoted United States Air Force wife, the fiercely independent Joan travelled the world with Bill during his service career and together they raised 3 daughters while doing so. In 1965 Joan and Bill opted for the warmer climate and retired in El Paso. In 1974, Bill passed away suddenly and Joan became the “rock” for her girls. That rock cracked in 2001 when her eldest daughter, Barbara passed away unexpectedly. She continued to truly enjoy her life with her daughters, grandsons and great grand children Joan was always looking to the future making plans for the next day, next week or next year. She was invincible. And those that knew her can attest to the fact that even at age 92, Joan, surely loved an occasional cocktail, wine or a beer. Why not? Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col (USAF Ret) William (Bill) Kent Nelson and her daughter Barbara N. Hoemberg. Joan is survived by, and will always remain in the hearts of, her two daughters Cyndi Nelson and Shelley (Herman) van der Sleen, her grandsons Tony (Bernadette) Pinon, Robert Pinon, Will (Heidi) Hoemberg, and Jeff (Jennifer) Hoemberg , her 4 great grandchildren, Olivia and Genevieve Pinon, Abigal Hoemberg and Thomas Hoemberg and her grand fur babies. In lieu of flowers, donations to Joan’s favorite animal rescue, Great Dane Rescue of El Paso, P.O. Box 290567, El Paso, TX 79927, (915-328-2023) will be appreciated. Or, in Joan’s memory, to an animal rescue of your choice. Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 6:00-8:00pm at F.D.A. Martin East, Committal service at 9:00am Friday, March 11, 2016 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to F.D.A. Martin East, 1460 George Dieter Dr. www.funerariasdelangel.com/martin-east