Joan Nelson received her wings on July 19, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. She was born in Nuremberg, Germany to John and Kathryn Hamilton. Being an "army brat," Joan had the opportunity to live in many places throughout her life, including Hawaii during her high school years. She later graduated from Western Kentucky University and eventually moved to the Presidio in San Francisco where she met her husband, Bruce Nelson. Bruce and Joan began their life together on December 29th, 1978 and raised their daughters Kyrie and Michelle. In 1992, Bruce and Joan moved to Vacaville, CA and started a vending business. With the passing of Joan's father, they purchased a bigger property so her mother could live with them. They decided on a ranch property off Allendale Rd. It was at this property where they opened their alpaca ranch, Ahh...Sweet Alpacas. For 13 years they raised alpacas for show andfiber and provided educational ranch tours. Joan also worked as a banker for many years. She always loved to cook, sip on bourbon, and loved all her animals.

With the loss of Bruce and Kathryn, she closed the ranch and moved in town to be closer to her daughters. Shortly thereafter, she received news that her cancer had metastasized. Choosing to live, she made a bucket list. Joan was able to check most items off her list, including her long awaited journey to Scotland and Ireland this past May. She did not regret a moment.

Joan is now reunited with her beloved husband, free from pain. She is survived by her daughters, Kyrie Delgado (Chris Delgado), Michelle De La Torre, her 6 grandchildren, and her brother John Hamilton Jr. She was preceded in death by her father, Col. John D. Hamilton, her mother, Kathryn R. Hamilton, her sister Anita Gross, and her husband, Bruce E. Nelson. Joan will be missed by her family and friends, but she will never be forgotten.  Her generosity and kindness touched many.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California on August 4, 2022 at 1:15 P.M.

A Celebration of Life to follow at Kyrie Delgado's house for appetizers and drinks at 4:00 P.M located at 198 Hyannis Court Vacaville, CA 95687.