Obituary of Sylvia M. Opdahl

Sylvia M. Opdahl, 77, of Jamestown, NY, passed away at 3:18 pm Saturday, April 6, 2019, in UPMC Chautauqua, surrounded by her family. An area resident for most of her life, she was born March 15, 1942 in Bradford, PA, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Delilah Mendell Wilson. Sylvia was a graduate of Bradford Area High School and attended Lock Haven College. She received her associates degree from Jamestown Community College. Before her retirement, she was employed as head cashier and payroll clerk for the former Grossmans Lumber Company in Lakewood, NY. In earlier years she had worked for the former National Shirt Shop in the Chautauqua Mall. Sylvia always enjoyed being involved in her children's and grandchildren's many activities. She was an instrumental member of the Jamestown Are Midget Football League serving as Treasurer and Secretary for many years. She also served as Treasurer for the Jamestown Babe Ruth Baseball League and volunteered her time at many local tournaments over the years. She continued to fulfill her duties with these organizations right up till the time of her illness. Her dedication to the community and the children will be greatly missed. Surviving are her husband, George M. Opdahl whom she married November 26, 1983, a daughter; Robin Johnson, a son; Robert (Darcy) Whitney, Jr. both of Jamestown, a daughter-in-law; Stephanie A. Paris- Whitney of Waltham, MA, ten grandchildren; Christopher Johnson of Raleigh, NC, Alyssa Johnson of Buffalo, NY, Daniel (Jeff Yamane) Whitney of Brooklyn, NY, Kaitlyn (Michael Marsh) Whitney, Ashley (Joseph) Hinman, Benjamin Whitney, Emily Whitney all of Jamestown, Elizabeth Whitney, Jacob Whitney, Caroline Whitney all of Waltham, MA and a sister; Barbara (Lee) Servatius of Fredonia, NY. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey T. Whitney who passed away on December 29, 2016. The funeral will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Gordon Robbins, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Falconer will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 5-8 pm Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jeffrey Whitney Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Jamestown Midget Football League, 41 Hallock St. Jamestown, NY 14701.