Diane Nelsen DeMarco

1951 - 2026

Diane Nelsen DeMarco, age 74, of Frederick, MD, was called home to begin her eternal life on a beautiful sunny day, February 15, 2026, in Port Charlotte, FL.

Diane was born on June 19, 1951, in Springfield, MN, to E. James and Phyllis Nelsen. She lived her early life "on the prairie" on a farm in Sundown Township near Springfield, MN. Diane attended a one-room country school through the 6th grade and then Springfield Public School until her graduation in 1969. She was very socially active in school, balancing life as a farmer's daughter with church involvement, 4H activities, and playing the flute. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, earning a BS degree in Journalism and Home Economics in 1974. She furthered her education with graduate business classes at Mount St. Mary's University.

Diane had a remarkable gift for communicating and connecting with people. It allowed her to travel the world, writing brilliant stories for AAA as a journalist early in her career. She later led marketing and public relations teams, most notably in Minnesota at NordicTrack and Knutson Mortgage, and then as a Vice President at First Nationwide Mortgage, which brought her to Frederick, MD. Always driven by vision and independence, she formed her own company, Marketing @ Work, in 2004, which she ran until near retirement.

Diane was deeply devoted to and loved her family, faith, friendships, and community. Her impact was profound and flowed from her love, radiant smile, and generous gift of time to others. She served as an Ambassador for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, a Commissioner for the Frederick County Commission for Women, and a member of the Women's Business Network. Diane provided pro bono services to the Mission of Mercy, the Seton Center, Habitat for Humanity, and various other local organizations. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was where Diane devoted countless hours in faith and service. She cherished her friendships with the Spring Ridge Fan Club, Dining Divas, Breakfast Babes, and so many others.

Everyone knows Diane's smile; there was nothing quite like it. While we grieve her passing and miss her presence every day, we take comfort in knowing she is with us. We find solace in Christ's resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God's eternal kingdom.

Diane is survived by her "Sweetie" and loving husband, Attilio; her daughter, Serena (partner Ben); and her son, Severiano (partner Leah). She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Colleen (James) Hayes, Brian (Tamara) Nelsen, and Janean (Terry) Tucker; her aunt Jeanette Jensen; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Louis (Cathy) DeMarco, Nancy (Dom) Bulone, and Robyn (partner Joe) Smith; and her many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families, including Nyssa (Matt) Zacher; Calista (partner Nate) Tucker; Ken (Chandra) Hayes; Keith (Andrea) Hayes and children; Desiree (Michael) Guzzardo and children; Dominick (Christine) Bulone; Lauren (Brian) Bird and children; Jillian (Michael) Singer and children; and cousin Maria (David) Desocio and children.

She is further remembered by her pastor, Pastor Dave Simpson, and her loving brothers and sisters in Christ at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick, MD.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1415 W. 7th St., Frederick, MD 21702. A reception for friends and family will follow; the location will be announced on Everloved.com or Legacy.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Capital Campaign Fund, to continue Diane's mission of service. Diane Nelsen DeMarco