Joan R. Nelson, 78 of Woodinville, Wash., died Aug. 1, 2005.

She was born January 29, 1927, in Chicago, Ill., to William and Helen Rose Travis.

She was a longtime resident of Kenmore and moved to Whidbey Island in 1986.

Joan will be remembered for many things. She touched many with her abundant love and was full of kindness, thoughtfulness, constant caring and unselfish generosity. Her sense of humor left a mark on all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived by Richard (Donna) Nelson, Jr. of Coupeville; Deborah (Gary) Simmons of Arlington; Diana Nelson of Woodinville; granddaughter, Nicol (Jeff) Petersen; great-granddaughter, Taylar Fitzpatrick of Silver Lake, and granddaughter Rita (Jake) Torkelson of Lake Stevens. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard G. Nelson, Sr., and two brothers-in-law, Robert Nelson and Edward Tiech; sister-in-law Fran Nelson and her sister Helen Tiech.

A special thank you to Evergreen Hospice, At Home Care (Annette and Alini), Dr. Stephen Dahlberg, and his nurses Claire and Crystal at the Everett Clinic. 

A memorial service will be held at noon Monday, Aug. 8, at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 10100 NE 192nd St., Bothell. Her friends and family (and children) are invited to a celebration of Joan’s life after the service at the Bothell American Legion, 19213 Bothell Way N.E. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Evergreen Hospice or any ch arity.