Yvonne M. Opsahl's Obituary
Opsahl, Yvonne Marie, age 51, of Sugarcreek Township, slipped into the arms of her Savior Monday morning, September 4, 2006, with her family at her side. Wife of Waynesville family physician Paul J. Opsahl, M.D., she is her husband’s best friend and confidant, lover and beloved wife of 28 years; mother of two adoring sons, Josh and Chris (wife Marcy); Nana to her three precious grandchildren Marris, Noah, and Caleb; and was anxiously awaiting the birth of her fourth grandchild, Seth, this month. Born and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and the only girl raised alongside four brothers, she is preceded in death by her father Pablo Guzman, Sr.; survived by her loving mother Luz Guzman; brothers Eli (wife Beverly, son Adam), Eddie, Jesse, and Pablo Guzman, Jr. (wife Lori, daughter Crystal); grandmother Rosa Ortiz; and many adoring aunts, uncles, and cousins.
1972 graduate of Perth Amboy High School, 1976 graduate of Princeton University, and 1992 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, Yvonne practiced law in Waynesville for 12 years. A real Tiger Lily, she was a beloved teacher, worship leader, and group leader at Trotwood United Church of Christ, Bethel Lutheran Church, Beavercreek Christian Church, and the real force behind her home group’s life at SouthBrook Christian Church.
Yvonne is a true modern-day Job, having developed severe rheumatoid arthritis while pregnant with her first child, a disorder ultimately requiring over 20 corrective surgeries. She suffered from 3 separate cancers, the first in 1986, second in 2000, and her most recent battle during the last ten months of her life. Truly, she is a “Timex Woman” — she “took a lickin’, and kept on tickin’”. ?
An example of one who has faced adversity time and again without fear, Yvonne surrendered to God’s plan with grace and a firm determination never to give up, and always to trust. …”For suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope, and hope does not disappoint, because God has filled our hearts to overflowing with His spirit that is within us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Surely her spirit is now united with her Savior, and we who mourn our loss will be sustained by that same Spirit within us! In her weakness, He is strong, and in our weakness, He will be strong as well.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Whole Earth Missions, an organization whose vision it is to help to bring God’s message of grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ via medical and supportive care of those who are infected with or affected by HIV-AIDS, especially our brothers and sisters in Africa and Haiti. Please send your tax-deductible contribution to Whole Earth Missions, 5017 Timberly Drive, Dayton, OH 45440.
Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, 5-9pm, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will follow at 11am on Thursday, at SouthBrook Christian Church, 9095 Washington Church Road, in Miami Township. Senior Pastor, Charlie McMahan officiating. Burial at Miami Cemetery, Corwin, OH.
What’s your fondest memory of Yvonne M.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Yvonne M.?
Share a story where Yvonne M.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Yvonne M. you’ll never forget.
How did Yvonne M. make you smile?