Joan was born on May 13, 1957, in Hartford CT, to George and Francess (Smith) Nelson.
Joan graduated from St. Joseph College in West Hartford CT, with a Batchelor of Arts degree in Special Education. During her years as a teacher and then principal, she continued her education receiving her Master’s Degree at San Diego State University and her Ed.D from U.C.S.D. and Cal State San Marcos in 2011.
It was Dr. Nelson’s passion to create the best learning experiences possible for all her students. She began her 42-year career in education as a special education teacher and continued to be a strong advocate for student voice as a teacher, vice principal and principal. Every school she was part of came with unique opportunities and many with friendships that lasted her lifetime. She always saw the brilliance in students and worked with other adults as an Executive Leadership Coach with SDCOE and most recently as a SDSU supervisor, to continue to impact students in a powerful way. She touched and changed the lives of many students and adults because of her dedication and commitment.
Joan lived life to the fullest! She loved laughing and spending time with family and friends, traveling and attending movies and plays. Joan enjoyed sports, both as a participant and as a fan, her book club and hiking with friends.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Francess and George Nelson. She is loved and survived by her siblings, Paul Nelson and his wife Nancy of Fallbrook CA, MaryJean Nelson of Encinitas CA, Lynn Nelson and her husband David Kohls of Wake Forest NC. Aunt Joan will be so missed by her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews – Brandon Nelson, his wife Lindsay and their children Sierra and Dylan, Brian Nelson, his wife Sunee and their children Noah and Lenora, Tracy DiCarlo and her husband Steven, Jonathan Kohls and Kathryn Kohls.
Joan was blessed by an extended family of aunts and uncles and 27 first cousins. They had many happy times together and have remained close throughout Joan’s lifetime. She is survived by her very special Aunt Mary Selfors of Wethersfield CT, her cousins and many, many wonderful friends.
A memorial mass will be held on October 30, 2021, at 2 p.m. at St. James Church, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075 followed by a celebration of life reception.
Memorial donations may be made to The Sisters’ Project – an organization committed to raising funds in support of cancer patients and their families. www.thesistersproject.org Or a charity of your choice.
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