Obituary of Fae Janice Opdyke

Fae Janice Opdyke, 93, of Oxford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, after a courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis.

Born on July 11, 1932, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Fae was the beloved daughter of the late Raymond and Lucy Cole. She devoted her life to caring for others, both as a nurse and as the heart of her family.

On June 22, 1957, Fae married the love of her life, Edward Opdyke Jr., and together they built a loving family. One of Fae's proudest accomplishments was raising five boys while working full-time and pursuing her education. She graduated from nursing school in 1978, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification, a testament to her determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Fae enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, caring for countless patients over the years. She most recently worked at The Doctor Is In in Phillipsburg, where she continued serving others until retiring at the remarkable age of 80 in 2012.

In 1995, Fae moved to Oxford, where she attended Oxford Second Presbyterian Church and found comfort and fellowship in her faith. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed country line dancing at the Phillipsburg Senior Center, where she made many cherished friendships.

Fae found joy in life's simple pleasures. She lovingly crocheted gifts for family and friends, enjoyed challenging herself with crossword puzzles and games of solitaire, and was an avid reader who especially loved mystery novels and reading her Bible. Music was another great passion, and she delighted in listening to classic country, gospel music, and traditional hymns, attending several concerts throughout the years. She also treasured traveling, especially with her sisters, visiting places including Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, Guam, and Italy. In recent years, Fae was happiest at home, spending time with her family, enjoying long conversations with her sisters, and keeping her mind sharp with trivia games.

Above all else, Fae's greatest love was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her kindness, strength, faith, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was truly a blessing to all and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Fae is survived by her four sons, Scott Opdyke (Eileen); Tracy Opdyke (Cathy); Troy Opdyke (Pelagia); and Todd Opdyke (Pam). She is also survived by her three loving sisters, Linda Dolby, Hope Trimmer, and Kathie Merwarth; ten cherished grandchildren Scott, Fae, Christopher, Johnny, Janice, Troy, Rachel, Cole, Kate, and Patty; several great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Fae was predeceased by her husband, Edward Opdyke Jr.; her beloved son, Michael Opdyke; her brother, Roger Cole; her stepsons, Dan, Edward, and Wes Opdyke; and her stepdaughter, Judy Malia.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A funeral service celebrating Fae's life will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Joicy Becker-Richards at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery in Hampton, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fae's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.