Maria Dawn Nilsen

Maria Dawn Nilsen (née Huntzinger), 63, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 10, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio, Maria grew up in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and graduated from Nitro High School in 1980. After graduation, she began a meaningful career in administration with the United States Navy and Naval Reserves as a government civil servant. She worked at the Charleston Naval Reserve Center in Charleston, WV, the Naval Brig in Charleston, SC, and with the Submarine Group 10 Legal Staff in St. Marys, GA, where she met the love of her life, Dean Nilsen, a Naval Submarine Officer.

Maria and Dean built a beautiful life together as Dean served in the Navy for 29 years, living in several naval communities — including Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Omaha, Nebraska, St. Marys, Georgia, and the Greater Washington D.C. area. As a Commanding Officer’s wife, Maria embraced her role with warmth, strength, and grace. She was a steady source of support, encouragement, and compassion for sailors’ families while their loved ones were out at sea. She mentored younger spouses, comforted those enduring long deployments, and created a sense of unity and belonging wherever the Navy took them. Her empathy and leadership left a lasting mark on countless families.

They eventually settled in Bristow, Virginia, where they spent 18 wonderful years raising their family. Following Dean’s retirement, they made their home in McCormick, South Carolina, where they embraced a new chapter of community and faith.

Maria was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was an active member of her church and community. She devoted her time to service through a Backpack Ministry for school-aged children, Meals on Wheels, and Bible study groups. Her greatest calling was intercessory prayer — she prayed faithfully for anyone in need of support, comfort, or guidance.

Maria also had a lifelong passion for walking, which she embraced as a way to nurture both her mind and body. Whether strolling through her neighborhood or enjoying the beauty of nature, walking was her time for reflection, gratitude, and peace. It brought her joy and strength, and she inspired others through her commitment to staying active and grounded.

Maria’s kindness, compassion, and unwavering love touched countless lives. Her gentle spirit and giving heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her devoted husband, Dean Nilsen; her beloved children, Matthew Nilsen, Michael Nilsen and his wife Wally, and Rachel Nilsen; and her cherished grandson, Parker Nilsen, born in October 2025. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Huntzinger; her sister, Leah Barbarito, and her husband Gus; nephews Benjamin and Sebastian; niece Angela; sisters Kelly Huntzinger-Balzer, Patty Ann Ernst, Sherri Huntzinger-Hutchinson, and Christine Huntzinger-Buoni; brother Danny Huntzinger; sisters- and brothers-in-law Debora & Bill Brown, Donna & Stephen Thomas, Derek & Krista Nilsen, and Diane & Bob Boylan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Huntzinger.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Charleston, WV. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to McCormick Backpack Ministry (www.mccormick-backpack.com) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).