Joan Nancy Opel

Joan (Joanna) Nancy Opel, 91, of Port Townsend, Washington, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her family on December 27, 2022.

Joan was born on March 7, 1931 to Paul and Pauline Jagielski in Chicago, Illinois. She was the 2nd of 6 children. At 19 years old, she met and married the love of her life Henry George Opel on September 3, 1950. Joan and Henry went on to have four children of their own, Nancy Johnson, Nadine Jonientz, Arlene Iardella and David Opel.

Joan and Henry moved across the country to Port Townsend, Washington to join other family in 1980. Joan was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend that was always smiling. She touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations. Her dedication to family and selflessness was the genesis for family success. She believed in hard work but was the most loving and caring mother and grandmother one could ask for. Joan was an incredible yet modest artist. She was the “go to” artist in our family for school projects resulting in us all getting “A’s”.

Joan leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends, but her legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes toward life and to always have a smile. She chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us. Joan loved the Lord, had faith, beliefs and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She will truly be missed, but we are so grateful for the time we had to spend with her. She will never be forgotten.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we all are to have had family surrounding Joan the night of her passing.

Joan was predeceased by her loving husband Henry, father Paul, her mother Pauline, sister Delores, and brothers Leonard and Paul. She is survived by her children Nancy, Nadine, Arlene and David, also her sisters Patricia of Chicago, Illinois and Judy of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Her grandchildren Mark, Timothy, Aaron, Michael, Brian, Colleen, Tess, Jenna and her many great grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea church on Thursday January 5, 2023 at 12:00pm. 1335 Blaine St, Port Townsend, WA 98368) Then immediately following a “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held in the downstairs area of the church. Interment of ashes at the Laurel Grove Cemetery will be at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Christian charity for the poor.