Marilyn Shepard Opell was born in Vincennes, Indiana on December 6, 1932. She passed away on January 3, 2024. Marilyn graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1951. In 1954, she graduated from Good Samaritan School of Nursing and started her career working in the newborn nursery at Good Samaritan Hospital. Her other positions included being a nurse to migrate farm workers and was also an office nurse for Dr. Fred Spencer.
Marilyn married Donald Lee Opell on June 6, 1954 and together they raised a beautiful family. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Presbyterian Church where she was dedicated and served many roles within the church. She was also a proud 50-year member of Delta Theta Tau and in her spare time enjoyed volunteering at Generations.
Marilyn devoted her life to caring for her entire family whom she loved dearly. Her heart belonged to the church, her husband of 69 years, her sons, grandchildren, and the many vacations and get-togethers they all shared.
Surviving Marilyn is her husband, Don Opell; sons, Daniel (Teri) Opell of Newburgh, Douglas (Beth) Opell of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Lynsey Opell of Boonville, Aaron (Emily) Opell of Newburgh, Ryan (Maura) Opell of Fresno, CA, Alex Opell of Bloomington, and Scott Opell of Brooklyn, NY; great grandchildren, Dylan, Vincent, Ashton, and Maeve; cousins, Sandra Irvin of Lafayette and Jean Johnson of Orlando, FL.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Hazel Shepherd; son, David Shepherd Opell; cousins, Betty Cooper Decker (Jim) and Susan Mattingly Ecklebarger; aunts, Hannah Mattingly and Cecil Dodds.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The funeral service will begin promptly after visitation at 2:00 pm will Ann Miller officiating. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Marilyn.
