Barbara J. (Fitzgerald) Opitz

Barabara died peacefully Tuesday with her daughter by her side.

Predeceased by her husband David B. Opitz. 

Survived by daughter Shannon M. Opitz (Keith J. Comley) and son Michael Opitz. 

Her brothers and sisters-in-law Timothy (Moose) Opitz and Linda Weber, John and Sheri Opitz 

Her sisters Patricia Vanier-Champitto, Sheila Connally (George), and Maureen Fitzgerald. 

As well as several nieces and nephews. 

Barbara was employed for 28 as a supervisor for Verizon Yellow Pages, and never one to sit still, upon her retirement worked part time  at the office of Dr. John O'Brien DC in Troy. 

Barbara loved people and loved helping them. Barbara is overwhelmingly remembered as beautiful, cheerful, and fun - with an infectious smile and sparkling blue eyes. 

Barbara was well known for her sense of fashion, and extensive wardrobe she loved to shop for in finer stores

Barbara will be remembered for her generosity

Barbara met life's obstacles head-on and handled them with aplomb, including caring for her husband during his long term illness. 

Barbara was an avid reader, especially fond of both fiction and non-fiction books about Ireland, as well as European history. 

Barbara was first a loving, involved mother who with her husband, gave her children wonderful lives. She did the same for her beloved Border Collies.

Barbara was very proud to be an Irish American. She traveled to Ireland countless times - sometimes on a private tours and other times on tours with her favorite local band Hair of the Dog, and she cherished her memories of her adventures in the homeland of her family.

Barbara spent the last several years of life as a resident of the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence, who cared for her as her Alzheimer's disease progressed. Barbara was genuinely loved by the staff and received amazing treatment there. Her family wants to express their deep gratitude for the care and love Barbara received from the staff while she was a resident there, and the kindness and thoughtfulness they showed both Barbara and her daughter during Barbara's last few days. 

Barbara's faith as a Catholic was very important to her, and she had been a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy for 50 years. Because of this, her family is requesting any donations be directed to Sacred Heart Church for a memorial gift in her name, 
The funeral for Barbara will be held on Monday morning February 3, 2025   9: 45 AM at The Wm. Leahy Funeral home 336 Third Street Troy and at 10:30 AM Sacred Heart Church Pawling Ave in Troy where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Yanas Pastor. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2-5 PM. Interment will take place at St. Peter's Cemetery Troy following the Mass.

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