Margaret Opager

Margaret Opager, age 90, passed away February 2nd, 2022.

Margaret Lenell Woth was born on August 27th, 1931 in Maywood California. Margaret lived with her parents and sister in California during her formative years, and as a teen, she moved to Oregon to continue her high school education.

While in high school in Eugene Oregon, Margaret met the love of her life, Wilfred Opager. They were married in Oregon in 1950. Dedicated to each other, they raised a family of five children: Steven Opager, Mary Calkin, Rebecca Lee, Susan Winterstein, and David Opager.  Wilfred and Margaret were doting grandparents, and thoroughly enjoyed their 12 grandchildren. Wilfred and Margaret were married for 71 years.

In 1954, Wilfred and Margaret joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and were faithful members throughout their lives. Margaret was active and engaged in her church callings, and excelled at teaching young children. Margaret served in both the Relief Society and Primary organizations, and also supported Wilfred as he served as Bishop of the Monmouth Ward for many years. The LDS church was a very large part of Margaret’s life.

Margaret was a wonderful homemaker, and always kept the most beautiful home. She loved to decorate, and her home was always where the family would gather to be together. She made delicious apple pie, and her cinnamon rolls were a family favorite. Her children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life, and she shared her love of the Oregon coast with them. Her grandchildren will always have many happy memories of time spent in the sun at the beach, playing in the waves with their grandma.

Margaret was a meticulous, classy lady, who loved making things beautiful. She was always generous with her time and talents, and was loved by all who knew her.

Margaret is survived by her children: Steven Opager, Mary Calkin, Rebecca Lee and David Opager, and grandchildren: Jennifer Suderman, Robert Calkin, John Calkin, Rachel Orme, Margaret Bell, Stephanie Thompson, Janet Denos, Jeff Short, Phillip Opager, Audrey Opager, Kate Opager, and Natalie Opager.

Margaret is preceded in death by her sister Elizabeth, as well as her husband Wilfred and daughter Susan.

Please join us for a celebration honoring the life of Margaret Opager, the morning of  Monday, February 14th, at Johnson Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon.