Miss Joan Olive Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Joan Olive Nelson at Nanton, Alberta on March 20, 2026 at the age of 86 years. Joan was the youngest daughter of R. Palmer Nelson and Alma Nelson of Queenstown and she grew up there with her 3 brothers, Chris, Ken and David and 3 sisters, Julia, Sheila and June. She attended school in Queenstown and later trained to become a Nursing Aide, graduating in 1960. She then began to do what she did best, which was caring for others. She worked as a nanny for five children in Toronto and held positions at various hospitals across Canada, such as Montreal Children's Hospital, Foothills Hospital Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital Calgary, Royal Alexandra Hospital Edmonton, and the Rosecrest Home Edmonton. Joan's special gift was caring for children. At Rosecrest Home she cared for special needs children and it was here she met a tiny little Down Syndrome girl with whom she fell in love! She became a Foster Mom to Monique Browne in 1980 and Joan gave her an amazing life and unlimited love and care until Monique passed in 2003 at the age of 28. Monique was Joan's pride and joy and surpassed her life expectancy by several years, which is a testament to the love and care Joan provided. Joan and Monique resided in Edmonton as well as High River and spent a lot of time visiting at the Nelson family farm near Queenstown where special memories were made. After Monique passed Joan moved to Strathmore where she lived for several years before moving to the Silver Willow Lodge in Nanton last spring. Joan was a very devoted aunt who kept in touch with her many nieces and nephews, always remembering their birthdays and special occasions with cards and gifts. She had an incredible memory and was gifted at remembering names, places and dates. She loved books and was a volunteer in the library at the Wheatland Lodge in Strathmore while she was a resident there. She also enjoyed puzzles, crosswords and word search - she was constantly testing her knowledge! She also loved watching any medical show she could find on TV as well as her favorite soap operas. Joan was quiet, kind-hearted, independent, and at times somewhat stubborn and she loved and appreciated visits from her large extended family. Joan is survived by her oldest brother Chris Nelson of Lethbridge and her sisters-in-law Julie Nelson of High River and Charlotte Nelson of Vulcan as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was loved by many and will always have a special place in our hearts. We take comfort in knowing she is once again with her beloved Monique as well as her parents and brothers and sisters. A special thank you is extended to the staff at the Silver Willow Lodge for the wonderful care Joan received during the last year of her life. At Joan's request, there will be no funeral service. If desired, memorial donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Foothills AIMS Society, 126-9 Ave. S.E., High River, AB T1V 1 E7. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Miss Joan Olive Nelson

January 26, 1940 - March 20, 2026