Obituary for Barbara Ann Opal
Barbara Ann Opal passed away on January 19, 2023 in the company of her loving husband, Stephen, only sibling, Gary, and close friends following an extended illness. She was 68. Barbara was born February 15, 1954, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Hazel Sweier. She was married to her husband, Stephen, for 42 years and was a lifelong resident of Ann Arbor. Barbara graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School in 1972 and immediately began her 50-year career at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research.
In 1977 Barbara met her husband, Stephen, in the bowling league they were in. She married Stephen Opal on October 17, 1980, at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. They resided in Ypsilanti, Michigan for several years before moving to their current residence in Ann Arbor.
Barbara was dearly loved by her family, friends, and co-workers and will be terribly missed. Barbara especially wanted to thank her extended family of co-workers at the University for their generosity and support during her time of illness.
Always willing to give her time to help faculty, students, and staff at work, Barbara was a caring person who also made many friends selling Avon cosmetics. She was an accomplished poker player and enjoyed flying to Las Vegas several times a year with her husband to play the tables. She would also host poker parties with friends at her home. Barbara also had a passion for her miniature Dachshund dogs, which she loved dearly and would always have by her side.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Stephen; one brother, Gary; and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Cremation has already taken place. Internment will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.
A memorial gathering to remember Barbara on February 11th at the Ann Arbor Senior Center starting at 12:30 PM.
Contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society.
In 1977 Barbara met her husband, Stephen, in the bowling league they were in. She married Stephen Opal on October 17, 1980, at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. They resided in Ypsilanti, Michigan for several years before moving to their current residence in Ann Arbor.
Barbara was dearly loved by her family, friends, and co-workers and will be terribly missed. Barbara especially wanted to thank her extended family of co-workers at the University for their generosity and support during her time of illness.
Always willing to give her time to help faculty, students, and staff at work, Barbara was a caring person who also made many friends selling Avon cosmetics. She was an accomplished poker player and enjoyed flying to Las Vegas several times a year with her husband to play the tables. She would also host poker parties with friends at her home. Barbara also had a passion for her miniature Dachshund dogs, which she loved dearly and would always have by her side.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Stephen; one brother, Gary; and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Cremation has already taken place. Internment will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.
A memorial gathering to remember Barbara on February 11th at the Ann Arbor Senior Center starting at 12:30 PM.
Contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society.