Joyce Marie Nelson ’91

Joyce died March 31, 2026, at her home in Brooklyn after a seven-year battle with primary progressive aphasia and early onset dementia.

Born in the Bronx Feb. 27, 1969, to Walter and Joyce Nelson, Joyce attended Hunter College High School before matriculating at Princeton. A member of Terrace, Joyce was USG projects board coordinator, junior class secretary-treasurer, production manager for the Nassau Weekly, and rowed novice crew. Remembered by friends for her wicked sense of humor and strong sense of justice, Joyce handled life with grace, calm, caring, and love.

Soon after graduation, she returned to New York City, where she built her career, working primarily at TIAA and raising her family. Joyce was a devoted volunteer with numerous city organizations. Her two favorite places were the family home in Montauk and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, where she loved to take long walks.

She is survived by her husband, James Wagman; her son, Matthew Wagman; and her sister, Karin O’Connor, who wrote, “Dementia can be cruel … there are no rules, directions or clear signals ahead. You can’t even expect the unexpected.” The class extends heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved her.