I can’t believe the news.
I haven’t been on these boards in years, but I definitely remember Opalcat, from here and fathom. She will be missed.
I’m really saddened. We saw each other a few times at New York Dopefests, including a memorable visit to Ellis Island. She always struck me as really witty and interesting and her online presence was larger-than-life. My sincere condolences to her son and all who knew her here and IRL.
wow. Just… wow.
I caught myself earlier thinking that Opal was going to get a real kick out of seeing all these old-school names popping up in her memorial thread.
Sigh.
Since we are all thinking suicide, based on her attempt in September and the manic tone of her most recent postings elsewhere, are you saying that perhaps she was involved in an accident, or by someone else’s hand, or a different health issue than depression? Please share with us what you know…as others have said, OpalCat’s life was an open book here and elsewhere.
I’m shocked. I remember Opal back from the AOL days.
If I were to ever attend a Dopefest, she was one of the people I would have cared to meet. Like her or not she was an interesting, multi-talented person. I always felt for her because life and people were sometimes hard on her but she still opened herself up to us.
I hope that she is finally at peace with herself and my sympathies to her son and family.
The news shocked me – It is so sad… we never really know when it will be the last time we share with someone. I can only offer condolences and best thoughts for her family.
I don’t think the Dope will be the same; when we mourn others’ passing, we’re no less grieving for ourselves. I wasn’t a fan, but I’m truly sorry to hear that she’s gone.
Last night Opal’s mother posted on Facebook and said: “Update to Katherine’s friends and family: everything is pointing to the conclusion that this was NOT an intentional death.”
So an accident, perhaps, or some organic cause that her mother did not disclose.
Which makes more sense than anything else. It was not the easiest point in her life ever right right now but she had everything to live for.
It may be some time before this is sorted out. Let the process do what it needs to do for definitive cause, if indeed there is one. In the meantime, don’t assume or speculate, please.
Thank you very much for sharing that, Tuba.
Goodbye, Opal. You will truly be missed.
Goodbye Opal.
I was thinking about her just this past weekend - I was looking for my dragon shirt. I love that shirt.
I spent a lot of time on FFF years ago - I wish I had kept up with it.
Very sad - too young. 
My condolences to her friends and family.
Back in the AOL SDMB days, her posts had a link as part of her signature, reading “Find the kitty”. I was curious so I clicked on it and the link alerted me that she was currently online and I ended up chatting with her, the first communication I had with anyone on SDMB aside from just reading and replying to the posts themselves. I was very much a newbie and she made me feel welcome in this somewhat insular community where the regulars seemed to know each other. I remember asking her about a signature line she was using, “It’s all fun and games until someone flings the burrito” or something like that.
Very sad news indeed.
One doesn’t bandy about the word “legend” here on the boards often, but I think it is safe to say Opal was most certainly legendary here on the SDMB.
- Memories of good times.
- So sad.
- Bye Opal.
I don’t post much, but before I finally signed up, I had been lurking since the Straight Dope was on AOL. I first noticed one of Opal’s posts because I agreed with her about the “list” thing.
So sad to learn she has passed away. Her art was simply FANTASTIC.
From Opal’s mother, posted on Opal’s Facebook page:
I hope it gets definite resolution either way. And, of course, I hope it definitely turns out it was natural.
I chatted with her on AOL as well, now that you mention it. We talked about Sebastian Spence and how she made or helped run his website at the time. She posted, as I’ve said, on the First Wave board on scifi.com
Just saw this today. Remarkably sad news indeed. Opal was omnipresent here when I first bookmarked the Dope many years ago. She was a board icon for sure whose presence has been missed in recent times. May her life be an inspiration to all of us going forward. God bless her family and all who were touched by her. Rest in peace child. Rest in peace and thank you for being yourself.
So sorry to hear the news of Opal’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends. I wish you peace, Opal.