Joan Carol Nicolay

Joan Carol Nicolay of Catonsville, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday December 14, 2021 at the age of 87. Beloved wife of the late James William Nicolay, Devoted mother of Barry S. Nicolay (June), Donna J. Nicolay, Jeanne M. Hofmann (Timothy), Kathleen H. Greco (Cosimo), Loving grandmother and great-grandmother of Kelly (Lawrence), Sherry (Ricky), Robert (Heather), Ron (Kristyn), James (Maggie), Grace, Luke, Anna, Patrick, Paris, Trey, Noelle, Robert, Jr., Jaxon, Piper, Tyson, and Cherished sister of Missy (Steve) Thorson. Joan was married to her husband, Jimmy, for 53 years. They were each other’s true love and best friend. They devoted their lives to making a loving home for their family, comfortable and always welcoming. Joan adored her children and spent her life as their mentor, confidante, and friend. She gave guidance, respect and support, and loved them unconditionally. By her example, she taught empathy and compassion for others. Everyone who knew her knew that Joan’s greatest joy in her life was her grand and great-grandchildren. They spent a lot of time with her, growing and learning. As children, “Grommie” was their ultimate playmate. Throughout their lives she made sure to be present at nearly every special event they participated in. She couldn’t have been more proud of them. Joan was a devoted daughter and daughter-in-law. She was a beloved sister to Missy. She was a loving sister-in-law to Bob, Nancy, and Steve. She treasured times spent with her niece and nephew, Denise, Greg, and family, and Keith. She also had many cousins who she spent much of her childhood with. Joan was well-liked. People were drawn to her fun-loving and unselfish nature. She was a loyal friend and neighbor, one who shared her many talents - cooking, baking, crafting. She was generous with her time. As well as teaching us, she taught our friends. They truly enjoyed being with her. Joan was a fierce and competitive card player among her friends and peers at Charlestown, pinochle being her favorite. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She so much enjoyed a good joke, but surprisingly could never tell one! She loved watching football and golf. Joan loved the outdoors, particularly vacationing in the mountains. Both our parents instilled in us an appreciation of nature. Joan will always be remembered for her love of animals. Over her lifetime, she rescued many strays, bringing them home and nursing them to good health. Her passion for them has been passed down to our family members to carry on her desire to provide care and safety to all animals. As an Episcopalian, Joan lived her faith. She loved and was committed to her church, St. Mary’s, until her health prevented her from attending regularly. She loved the peacefulness it brought her. She enjoyed singing hymns. As a member, she developed and maintained many friendships there. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday February 26, 2022 at the MacNabb Funeral Home, 301 Frederick Road - Catonsville, MD 21228 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. with an Episcopal Memorial Service to follow from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Joan to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of choice. **Those attending the visitation and/or service at the funeral home are requested to please observe all social distancing guidelines while inside the facility. The wearing of masks is mandatory thus ensuring the public health and safety of all our guests and family members. Thank you.**