Joanne Nelson's Obituary
Joanne Nelson, 61, of Cherry Hill, NJ, formerly of Moorestown, NJ, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021. She was raised in Maple Shade, NJ, by her loving parents: father John J. Latwinas and her late mother Marion Dorothy Latwinas.
Joanne had a deep and lifelong passion for teaching. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Art then her Master of Arts in Special Education, both from Rowan University. Her teaching career benefited many children, including those at Burlington County Special Services in Westampton, NJ and at Mount Laurel Hartford School in Mount Laurel, NJ. She specialized in helping children with special needs, such as those living with autism spectrum disorder. Joanne was picked out of all the teachers in the U.S. to be part of a small group of ambassador educators to travel to China and exchange ideas with teachers there.
Joanne was an artist at heart. She was a gifted painter, creative baker and enthusiastic guitarist. She said she saw the world as if “in photographs”.
Joanne enjoyed sports her whole life. She practiced and trained many hours in karate, earning the honor of black belt. Every spring, she looked forward to opening her windows and hearing one of her “favorite sounds in the world” – the ping of baseballs being hit in nearby parks.
What Joanne loved most of all was spending time with her family and friends. Whether that be on trips to her favorite places in the world, Disney World and Strathmere, NJ, or simply at home enjoying their company. It didn’t matter. As long as she was surrounded by loved ones, she was happy.
Joanne is survived by her father John J. Latwinas; her brother John M. Latwinas and her sister Jennifer Eggers (Neal); her husband Robert F. Nelson; her children Robert P. Nelson and Katherine M. Nelson; her nephew John Latwinas and her nieces Rebecca Nelson and Haley Latwinas; and her cat, Kelby.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at Givnish Funeral Home, 600 East Main St., Maple Shade, NJ, from 12p – 1p on June 7th, 2021. A memorial service will begin at 1p, followed by interment at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ will take place at a later date.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.Givnish.com
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