Joan L. Nelson, nee Thorp, 72, of St. Charles, IL, formerly of Chicago and Downers Grove, dear wife of the Rev. Dr. Norman A. Nelson, died Sept. 13. Mother of Beth Smayda, Ruth Nelson, Karen Anderson, Donald Nelson, Karl Nelson; and grandmother of seven. She gave short and long term care for over 75 foster children. Joan was also a day care provider for over a decade. For 17 years, as a volunteer, she coordinated the annual Northeast Illinois Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Clothing Appeal. Her interest in children extended to the education of young women in Tanzania, Africa. Locally she organized groups of women for the making of quilts to go to needy persons around the world. Memorials are welcome for Lutheran World Relief, P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21198-9831, and Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake, 500 Hanson Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175. All are invited to the Saturday, Sept. 18 Reception beginning at 10:30, the Memorial Service at 12 Noon and the luncheon to follow, all at Grace Lutheran Church.
