JEANNE FAY OPGENORTH
NOVEMBER 30, 1937 – MAY 28, 2010
Jeanne Fay Opgenorth, of Camano Island, died Friday, May 28, 2010 at Swedish Hospital, Seattle, at the age of 72.
Born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, on November 30, 1937, Jeanne was the only child of Fred and Fay Englebert, both of Oklahoma.
She attended Oklahoma University before marrying. After that tanked, she eventually met and married Carl Opgenorth, an Air Force pilot, in 1968. The military life took the family to glamorous destinations like England and Idaho.
In 1978, Jeanne and family moved to Camano Island in order to care for her father.
In 1980, Jeanne was diagnosed with an advanced stage of colon cancer. Two years later the cancer had spread to several other organs. She wasn’t expected to live.
Jeanne rallied beyond all expectations and survived multiple surgeries and became a “living legend” cancer patient at Swedish Hospital in Seattle.
After a short time and never one to sit around, she became a legal assistant for several local attorneys before working for the prosecuting attorney’s office in Everett.
She was also a relentless volunteer for charities and local causes.
Jeanne was one of the kindest, most positive, courageous, tough, funny and loving souls in the world.
Her love of life is an inspiration to all who knew her.
She was a great friend, an amazing mom, and an extraordinary person. Such people come along rarely in a lifetime.
She is survived by two sons John McEnaney of Orlando, Fla., and Sean McEnaney of Camano Island, and extended family Laura Hutchinson of Renton, and Walt Schanzenbach of Camano Island.
Memorial services will begin at 1 p.m. July 10 at Camano Lutheran Church, 850 Heichel Road, Camano Island.
As per Jeanne’s request, please come wearing bright, tropical colors (no black!) to be with others who loved her. A reception will follow.
