Joan Mallé Nelson 

On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved wife of Richard A. Nelson; mother of Lori (Robert) McCarthy and Dilene (Gary) Cruickshank; grandmother of Kevin Daniel (Amanda), Brendan Richard, Joseph Thomas, Mary Katherine and Eric Devon McCarthy; sister of David (Isabel) Mallé. Joan received her bachelor’s degree in French from Wagner College and master’s degree in library science from Rutgers University. While raising a family with her husband of almost 60 years, she worked as a children’s librarian in the New York Public Library system and was head children’s librarian of the Ridgewood Library in New Jersey. After moving to the DC area in 1968, she worked in the Montgomery County Public Library system, eventually becoming Branch Manager of the Noyes Children’s Library in Kensington. She brought joy to countless children through her penny theaters and story hours. Joan dedicated her life to her family’s happiness. She loved taking pictures of her children and grandchildren and created beautiful scrapbooks with all the precious memories. One of her greatest pleasures was taking family train trips that delighted her youngest grandson. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, August 7 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Historic Church, 9700 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday, August 8 at 11 a.m. Entombment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus.