Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Opie

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Opie (n. Arnold), 103, of Vestal, NY died peacefully on July 29th, 2025 in the Oxford Veterans’ Home. She leaves behind family and friends who will remember and cherish her infectious laughter, memorable stories, and deep sense of love. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter; her parents, Frank and Janette Arnold; her brothers, Clarence, Joseph, and Francis, and many dear friends.
She is survived by her three sons and their wives: Steven and Mary in Chenango Forks, NY, David and Linda in Apalachin, NY, and James and Yvonne in LaFayette, LA; her 8 grandchildren: Anna, Eileen, Dustin, Alexandra, Kaitlynn, Eric, Caroline, and James; 5 great grandchildren: Nicholas, Christina, Brigid, Henry, and Ari; and her nephew, James Arnold.
Betty was born on June 14,1922 in Vincennes, Indiana where she grew up and met the love of her life, Walter Opie at a USO dance. He famously proposed by sending the engagement ring through the JC Penny’s money delivery tube, where she was working upstairs in the office. They were married on December 6, 1943. After the war, they moved to Binghamton, NY and finally Vestal, where they raised three sons and remained by each other’s side for 57 years. In her spare time, she loved to read novels and play Rummy (which she usually won).
She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Vestal High School until her retirement in 1984. She then began volunteering in the community. Her dedication to volunteering was profound and impacted many. Helping others through Meals on Wheels, Ideal Living Center, and Castle Gardens meant the world to her.
Additionally, she was a member of the parish at Our Lady of Sorrows in Vestal for many years.
Betty’s family wishes to thank the entire staff at the Oxford Veterans’ Home for their wonderful, compassionate care during her stay there.
The family will receive friends at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Main Street in Vestal from 9:30-10:30 on Tuesday August 12, to be followed immediately at 10:30 by a funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome County.