Josephine Marie Opsitnik 1941-2021
STRUTHERS — Mrs. Josephine “Josie” Marie Hvizdos Opsitnik passed away in the heavenly arms of our Lord on Friday, March 26, 2021, at the Hospice House in North Lima. Josie was surrounded by loved ones as she became free from Alzheimer’s.
Josie was born March 17, 1941, in Poland Township, to Michael and Josephine Helt Hvizdos. She grew up in a home of Slovakian heritage and lived on a farm with her nine siblings.
Josie graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1959. She then attended Youngstown State University. She began working for Underwriters Adjustment Co. of Youngstown. It was during that time she met her husband, Joseph Opsitnik, and married him on Sept. 20, 1969. Following her marriage, she became employed with American Greetings Card Company.
During those years, Josie loved to go to Myrtle Beach with Joe, treasured her girlfriend card club, and enjoyed bowling. Most of all, she was passionate about Mountaineer Casino, where she enjoyed the shows, especially ones with Elvis, and hoped to win the jackpot!
Josie cherished her family and was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She leaves her husband, Joe, of 51 years; her son, Scott Opsitnik; and grandson, Tyler Opsitnik. Additionally, she departs from her brothers, Mike (Irene) Starr, John (Joyce) Hvizdos, Paul Hvizdos; and sisters, Mary Hvizdos, Helen Bosak, and Ann (Frank) Molnar. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Peggy (Harry) Potts; former daughter-in-law, Liz Opsitnik; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition, she leaves a special cousin (sister of the heart), Diane Diekmann, who was her caregiver during her ALZ journey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe Hankinson and Frank Hvizdos; sister, Bernice Mihalko; and nieces, Delores (Mihalko) Pope and Lori (Molnar) Tamburro.
The family wishes to extend gratitude for the loving care at St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center and Hospice House. Therefore, the family prefers any donations be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the Valley in Youngstown.
Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at St. Paul Church of New Middletown, with a celebration of life Mass at 11 a.m.
Condolences may be expressed online to www.clementefuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements handled by Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers.
(special notice)