HARPSWELL – Joan Potter Nelson, beloved daughter of Don Theron Potter and Mary Dunning Noyes, was born on May 9, 1934 in Portland, Maine. Joanie passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, surrounded by her family at her ancestral home in Harpswell, Maine.
Joanie had an idyllic childhood in Brunswick, where she made many wonderful lifelong friendships and enjoyed being part of the Bowdoin College community. She graduated from Brunswick High School in 1952 before attending and graduating from Colby-Sawyer College. After college, she married and lived in Boston, as well as abroad in Nuremberg, Germany, as a soldier’s wife. The family eventually settled in Rockville, Maryland, where Joanie played a significant role in her community, leading and directing many events over the years as a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society. Joanie was also a long-time volunteer at Shady Grove Hospital and a devout member of Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville, Maryland.
Joanie and Frank Nelson met after the deaths of their respective spouses and married in 1991. During their 33 years together, they lived alternately on Amelia Island, Florida and Harpswell. They traveled extensively, including many adventures, such as an African safari, an Indian Ocean cruise, a tour of the United Kingdom and a transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary II, returning on Concorde.
Joanie was a unique individual who was remembered by all who knew her. She was full of life and had a deep love for people. We will remember her for her generosity, her infectious laughter and her unwavering devotion to family and friends.
Joanie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Franklin Earl Nelson of Harpswell, and her son, William Hinckley and his wife, Katarina Hinckley. She is also survived by her grandchildren, William Adams, Sarah Adams Ferguson and her husband, Kevin Ferguson, Robert Hinckley, Sebastian Hinckley and Gus Hinckley, and her great-grandson, Harry Ferguson. Joanie was predeceased by her first husband, Dr. Robert F. Hinckley, and their daughters, Victoria Hinckley and Susan Hinckley Adams.
A brief viewing will be held at the Nelson family home in Harpswell on Monday, August 12th at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at Elijah Kellogg Church, Harpswell Center, at 11 a.m. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Brunswick, Maine (optional). The family will receive friends at the Nelson residence in Harpswell beginning at 2 p.m.
To express condolences and share fond memories, please visit www.brackettfh.com to view Joan’s online memorial. www.brackettfh.com to view Joan’s online memorial.
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