Longtime Sonora resident, Pearl Opie, died on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at home after a long illness. She was born and raised in San Juan Bautista, where she enjoyed living and working on the family farm. Born October 5, 1927, Pearl was the fifth child and first daughter of John and Rose Lavagnino. A few years later, a second daughter was born to complete the family with six children.
Pearl attended San Jose State College where she earned her teaching degree. Her first teaching job brought her to Tuolumne County to teach at Summerville High School. Her cousin Lorraine Lavagnino, who later married Ron Stearn, fixed Pearl up on a blind date with Jim Opie. Pearl and Jim married in 1952 and had three children. When their first child was born Pearl left teaching to help Jim with his auto repair business, Jim’s Auto Service also known as Opie’s Garage.
Pearl has been an active member of the community, involved with such organizations as St Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Young Ladies Institute (Y.L.I.) of St. Patrick’s, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse, and Tuolumne County Aeronautical Association. She and her husband, Jim, enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with their family and friends. Pearl was thrilled and honored when her son, Jim, told her she was named the 2009 Mother of the Year of the annual Mother Lode Round-Up. She was also well known for her friendly smile and warm welcoming nature, she never met a stranger.
Pearl is survived by one sister Rosemarie and Leonard Caetano, one brother John and Esther Lavagnino, one sister-in-law Doris Lavagnino all of San Juan Bautista, three children; Sue Opie of Jamestown, Jan Opie, and Jim Opie and Debi Esque all of Sonora, six grandchildren; Austin and Brandy Bedford of Fort Bragg, NC, Lani and Jeff Sanz, Joe Opie, Cody Opie and Amanda Johnson, Steve Opie and Tanya Hagen, and Courtney Opie all of Sonora, three great grandchildren; Bianca and Kyle McPeters of Fort Bragg, NC, Julian and Mercedes Pereira of Fort Polk, LA, and Cody Opie Junior of Sonora, two great-great-grandchildren; Kyler and Zhaden McPeters of Fort Bragg, NC, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Opie, three brothers Augie, Charlie, and Bill Lavagnino, and one nephew Augie Lavagnino Junior.
Services will be held on at St Patrick’s Catholic Church at Thurs, Dec 9th, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. There will also be a rosary at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, Wed, at 7:00 P.M. and visitation prior from 2:00-7:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in remembrance of Pearl Opie to the Y.L.I. of St Patrick’s, 116 Bradford Ave., Sonora, CA 95370.
