Eva Marie Nissen

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Eva "Marie" Nissen, a loving mother, devoted grandmother, caring sister, cherished aunt, and loyal friend. Marie lived a life defined by love. She had a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.

To Marie, family was everything—but family wasn't limited to those who shared her last name. She believed that love was meant to be given freely, and she opened her heart to anyone who needed encouragement, kindness, or simply a place to belong. She was the kind of person who never let anyone feel like a stranger. Whether offering a listening ear, a warm hug, a home-cooked meal, or words of reassurance, she had an extraordinary way of making people feel safe and loved.

Because of that, Marie leaves behind not only the family she was blessed with, but also countless "adopted children"—friends, neighbors, and loved ones who found comfort, guidance, and unconditional love in her. To so many, she was simply "Mom," whether they shared her last name or not. Her love reached far beyond blood, and the family she built through kindness is a testament to the incredible person she was.

Marie is survived by her children, Richard Owenby and his wife, Felicia (children Lawson and Silas); Vanessa Shehan and her husband, Matt (children Abrielle and Copen); and Alex Nissen and his wife, Amanda (children Hayley, Jaylen, and Jordan). She also leaves behind additional beloved grandchildren, Allie, Noah, Abby, and Ford, all of whom will forever treasure the love, guidance, laughter, and countless memories they shared with their grandmother.

She is also survived by her brother, Scott McPeters and his wife, Hope; and her beloved niece, Angela Hart and her husband, David (children Skyler and Andrew), who held a special place in her heart. While these were the family she was born into and raised, Marie's love knew no boundaries. She considered friends to be family and had an incredible ability to make everyone feel like they belonged.

Her greatest joy in life was being "Grandma." Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren. Whether cheering them on from the sidelines, gathering around the table to share stories, spoiling them every chance she could, or simply enjoying the everyday moments together, she treasured every second. They were, without question, the light of her life.

Marie also found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved traveling and making memories wherever the road would take her. She could often be found relaxing with one of the many games on her phone, determined to beat just one more level. But more than

destination or pastime, what she treasured most was the time spent with the people she loved.

Perhaps Marie's greatest gift wasn't something she could buy or wrap—it was the way she made people feel. She had a rare ability to make others feel seen, accepted, important, and unconditionally loved. If you knew Marie, you knew you always had someone in your corner.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tiffany Nissen; her husband, David Lee Nissen; her parents; her brothers, Michael McPeters, Charlie McPeters, and Arvel McPeters; and her sister, Bea Rector.

Although our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that the love Marie gave so freely will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering kindness became her legacy. She taught us that family isn't defined solely by blood, but by the love we choose to share. Marie loved without conditions or hesitation, and because of that, her family grew far beyond what anyone could ever count.

While she may no longer walk beside us, her laughter will echo in our memories; her kindness will continue to inspire us, and her love will remain forever woven into the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved by her family, her many "adopted children," and all who were fortunate enough to call her Mom, Grandma, sister, aunt, or friend.

Kirksey Funeral Home, 406 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC is honored to be assisting the Nissen Family. Condolences may be emailed through our website: www.kirkseyfh.com