Obituary of Joan Beatrice de Leon

Berlin - Joan Beatrice (Nelson) de Leon 80, of Green Hollow Road, Berlin NY died on April 4, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle against cancer. Born on July 28, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ruth (Hinsch) and Eric J. W. Nelson. Joan was a 1951 graduate of Huntington High School on Long Island. Joan had the deepest love for Ralph de Leon, her adoring husband of 62 years. They married in 1952 and lived their early years in Greenlawn, NY, where Ralph ran a business and Joan raised their family. In 1969 Joan and Ralph moved their family to Berlin. In 1970 Joan returned to nursing school receiving her Licensed Practical Nursing certification. She worked for the next 17 years for Dr. Henry Richmond in Bennington, VT. Joan left nursing to assist Ralph in running the family businesses. She was active in the Berlin Methodist Church and the Berlin Republican party. She previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Berlin Town Library. She also thoroughly enjoyed being a long term member of two book clubs. Survivors besides her husband include their five children: Renee Williams (Richard) of Pownal VT; Ralph de Leon of Schenectady, NY; Robin Cipperly of Berlin, NY; Richard de Leon (Colleen) of Berlin, NY; and Roger de Leon (fiance Victoria Calaban) of Latham, NY. Joan is also survived by seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Carol Kirchner and one grandchild, Rachael Williams. A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014, beginning at 12 noon, at the Berlin United Methodist Church, located at 13 South Main Street, Berlin, NY 12202. A reception immediately following the service will be held at the Berlin Fire hall. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Rensselaer County Hospice or the Berlin Free Town Library. Celebration of Life Gathering 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Saturday, April 12, 2014 Berlin United Methodist Church 13 S Main Street Berlin, New York, United States 12202 In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Rensselaer County Hospice or the Berlin Free Town Library. Reception 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Saturday, April 12, 2014 Berlin Fire Hall 11 Community Avenue Berlin, New York, United States 12202