Obituary of Opal Danielson

Opal Juanita Danielson Opal Juanita (Davick) Danielson, 84, of Rochester passed away peacefully on October 25, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. Opal was born September 3, 1926 in Minot, North Dakota, to Walmer and Ida Davick. The Davick family moved to Lodi, California and then traveled to Washington State where she graduated from Highline High School in Seattle. Opal married Art Danielson in 1945. In 1959 Art & Opal moved to Rochester and spent the next many years owning and operating a dairy farm. Opal started working at the Rochester High School as a secretary in January, 1966. She was fondly called “Mrs. D” by the students and staff at the school. She said in a newspaper article that it was her fellow workers and students who made the job so satisfying and doing the work was a pleasure. At the time of her retirement in June, 1987 she had worked under three high school principals, the last being Gene Goldrick. Gene and Annabeth Goldrick have remained long time friends of Opals and they had spent many fun times together. After retirement Art & Opal spent their time traveling the countryside with family and friends. Opal loved the beach (even though she didn’t know how to swim and hated the water!), attending church a couple of times a week, going camping, crossword puzzles, and venturing out to the casinos. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her face would always light up when they showed up on her doorstep. Opal had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile that will be forever imprinted in the memory of those who knew her. Opal was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, and a friend to many. She will be greatly missed, but all who knew her struggle over the past few years would know that she is finally at peace. We know that Opal is in heaven right now, and as her great niece recently put it, having one heck of a cribbage game with whoever would deal the cards! Opal is survived by her current husband Harry Smith, longtime friend of the family. They have enjoyed the last 4 years together going on cruises and trips to see the fall colors of the east coast. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 2010. Opal is also survived by her daughter Susan (Danielson) Clark and her husband Scott of Okanogan, WA; her son Jack Danielson and his wife Carol of Graham, WA; her daughter Mary (Danielson) McBroom and her husband Gary of Rochester, WA. Along with her three children she is survived by her six grandchildren, Andrea, Kristofer, Joshua, Heather, Ryan and Melissa and ten great grandchildren. Opal grew up in a family of 9 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her best friend and sister Valerie “Babe” Forgey and her husband Glen of Enumclaw and her brother Kelly Davick and wife Norma of Falls Branch, Tennessee. Opal was preceded in death by her first husband, Art Danielson (passed in 2004); sister Marie Lingle, twin brother Orville Davick; and brothers Carl, Preus, Wally, Kenny, and Ivar Davick. A celebration of life will be held on November 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Rochester Middle School, 9937 Highway 12, Rochester. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to St Marks Lutheran Church, 10000 Highway 12, Rochester, WA 98579 or a charity of your choice. If you wish to leave your condolences and memories of Opal feel free to post them here on her website or bring them to the memorial service. Please leave memories and condolences for family online by clicking "View Guestbook" below.