CAROLYN OPALINSKI

January 2, 1943 – June 13, 2020

Carolyn Marie Opalinski (nee Resch) passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday June 13, 2020, at the age of 77 years. Carolyn was born on January 2, 1943 in Eston, Saskatchewan, the eldest daughter of Marjorie (Greenstein) and Sebastian “Sam” Resch, in a family of five boys and three girls. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Tammy (Michael) Thobe, Colette (Perry) Schell, Rod (Cindy) Opalinski; siblings, Geri (Archie) Arcand, Violet (Bill) Baugh, Lloyd (Jackie) Resch, Bill (Jean) Resch, and Ken Resch; grandchildren, Cody (Trudie) Thobe, Tania (Jeff) Anderson, Branden and Courtney Schell, Orry and Tye Opalinski as well as four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dennis (Connie) and Larry (Helen). Carolyn was known and loved as mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was raised in Eston and then went on to attend beauty school in Saskatoon. Shortly after graduating beauty school, she met and married Andrew Opalinski. Their two daughters were born in Saskatchewan and when they later moved to Alberta, their son joined the family while they resided in Edmonton. While living in Wildwood, Carolyn operated a successful hairdressing business from her home. She later moved to Medicine Hat where she completed the Independent Health Care Assistant program that lead to a practicum at Redi Enterprises. In 1992, she began working at Redi Enterprises in the Vocational Services Department as a Disability Service Worker, where she flourished, as her nature lent itself immeasurably to the qualities the employment rested upon – her love of people. Over the more than twenty years she worked at Redi, many cherished relationships bloomed with clients as well as co-workers as she shared her life wisdom, grace, and laughter. Carolyn’s patience and her ability to mediate with love made her a valued member of her work family. She was a wonderful cook and when she taught the kitchen skills program, she could even turn liver and onions into a hit! After a time working for Redi Enterprises she became a home provider as well, taking a young lady client into her home and providing care for her. Carolyn’s open and loving heart ensured that she was not only earnestly cared for, but she effortlessly became a member of the family and reciprocated that kinship. Whether people came to visit her, or she went to visit them, she was very social, outgoing, and ready and willing to drive long distances to visit with family and friends. After her father passed, she eagerly served to ensure her mother could continue to travel to visit with family. Each year she would assist her brother with his catering service for Big Valley Jamboree. She delighted in this annual event, as the real reward for her efforts lay not in the tasks at hand, but in the opportunity to meet and interact with people, something that she truly loved and brought her much joy. Like the beauty she created in the lives of those around her, she also enjoyed beautifying her home and garden. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and doing puzzles. She loved country music and to dance and socialize. She took great pride in her appearance and always looked lovely, with an eye to being fashionably presented. Her life embodied love, and the universe responded in kind, sending her small but meaningful, heart-shaped objects throughout her life, such as a heart-shaped stone or other items. She became a curator of these treasures that adorned her life and home. She was close to her grandchildren and taught them by example the things that were the most important in life. Warm, loving, and outgoing, even simple interactions with her would afford you her always smiling face, and the joyful laughter that her friends cherished. Whether your path crossed hers in her personal life or professional life, her exuberant love of people emanated joy and endeared her to you. While her family and friends will dearly miss her, they know she goes on to a greater existence and feel privileged for their sweet association with her. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, attendance at the funeral service will be by family invitation only. The service will be streamed live on Saturday, July 4, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m. We invite you to view the service through this link: https://youtu.be/ZXKZMHd57hk. The link will be available for viewing after that date as well. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Carolyn’s name may be made directly to the Medicine Hat Food Bank, 532 South Railway Street, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2V6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com). Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”