Obituary of May I. Oppelt

May I. Oppelt of Port Jervis died on March 3, 2024 at Bon Secours Community Hospital.  She was 92. 

The daughter of the late Joseph & Gertrude Farrell, she was born on April 8, 1931 in Montgomery, AL. 

To those who loved her most, she was known as “Ma May”. She was a loving mother not only to her own child, but all of the children in our family that she so lovingly cared for. The safest and most comfortable place was in her arms as she rocked us all to sleep. 

May enjoyed spending time with her husband Frank while they had lunch and went fishing at #2 Bridge and West End Beach. She was also a devoted Yankees fan and could be found each spring in front of the game rooting them on! She was the best listener and gave the very best advice over a hot cup of tea but the best tea parties are the ones she enjoyed with her precious Lydia and Gianna. Although she worried about all of us endlessly, she always reassured us that “everything would be ok”… Words that are so tough for us to imagine without our Ma May, our world.  

Surviving are her loving husband of 56 years Frank J Oppelt at home, her daughter, Kathleen and her husband Michael Hockenberry, and her sister Marilyn (Korky) Hendershot of Port Jervis. May was pre-decreased by her brother Michael J Canfield of Sparrowbush, NY. May’s other surviving relatives are her sister-in-law, Josephine M. Seddio Canfield of Sparrowbush, NY, her niece, Michele Canfield Robertson and husband Scott, and their children, Gianna, Lydia, Adam, and Ryan of Sparrowbush, NY. Her nephew Michael Canfield and wife Susan, and their children Angelina, Gabriella, and Michael III of Glen Spey, NY. Her nephew Mark Hendershot and his family. Her niece Robyn Hendershot and her family.

Well now the time has come for you to rest Ma May. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep. We will love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck for all of eternity.

Services are private as May wished, cremation took place at MacLennan Hall Crematorium.  

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