Princess Marie of Nassau was born on May 15, 1825, in Düsseldorf, Germany. She was a member of the House of Nassau and the daughter of William, Duke of Nassau and Princess Louise of Saxe-Hildburghausen. In 1844, she married Prince Alexander of Hesse, becoming a prominent figure in the Hesse region. Throughout her life, she was known for her charitable work and support of the arts, contributing to the cultural development of her community until her death on November 24, 1888.