Bye, Opal

[twickster]

@JillGat

I didn’t suspect suicide, because if it had been intentional, I think Opal would have posted online a long, dramatically detailed and illustrated note, with links and a forum.

@CrazyCatLady

That hadn’t occurred to me, but I suspect you’re right. Or else started a thread asking for input on how she should do it based on xyz very specific factors and then shot down every single suggestion anyone made.

Although we allow critical comments about the deceased in threads announcing the death of non-members, I ask that people keep in mind that this is a thread about a longstanding, well known, and much loved (and, admittedly, occasionally hated) member of our community. Many people are genuinely upset about her death, so please think twice before making jokes or otherwise commenting on Opal’s persona.

Thanks,

twickster, for the SDMB

[RickG]

Mostly been a lurker since I joined up so many years ago, and so never really interacted with OpalCat, but I certainly knew she was here. Joined Fathom at some point when the SDMB had some kind of longish-term interruption, though didn’t really stay there after it came back. Seemed like she ran it as a very welcoming place.

Very sad to see this news. May her memory be a blessing to all those who knew her.

-Rick

[WhyNot]

Don’t want to hijack this thread, so: How did the Old Dopers find out about OpalCat’s passing?

[carnivorousplant]

@JillGat

I didn’t suspect suicide, because if it had been intentional, I think Opal would have posted online a long, dramatically detailed and illustrated note, with links and a forum.

I hope I’m remembered like that when I shuffle off the mortal coil.

No, Swampbear, you may NOT have my CDs.

[flyboy]

I remember she had posted once after her surgery that people were welcome to stop by the hospital and visit. I figured it wasn’t all that far away and I should probably find the time, but I never got around to it. Stupid. My condolences and best wishes to her family.

[Leaffan]

@Dr_Shakard

I know there are some people that were feeling bad about relentlessly harassing and e-bullying her. And reposting her nude photos? Not so classy. RIP Opal.

Huh?

[Larry_Borgia]

@Leaffan

Huh?

Long story, not appropriate for this thread.

[Acsenray]

Then open a new thread. That’s a bombshell of a drive by.

[chela]

I am sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her loved ones. She was a quirky soul, an open book and a bit of a diva -

Today I heard Strawberry Fields Forever, just made me think of her.

[JohnT]

This is so sad. I can’t believe it - OpalCat, gone? I’ve never had much (if any) interaction with her, but she was always a presence.

[RTFirefly]

@twickster

Although we allow critical comments about the deceased in threads announcing the death of non-members, I ask that people keep in mind that this is a thread about a longstanding, well known, and much loved (and, admittedly, occasionally hated) member of our community. Many people are genuinely upset about her death, so please think twice before making jokes or otherwise commenting on Opal’s persona.

Snark or not, gotta say they both said something that had me nodding and saying to myself, “That’s our Opal.”

That was our Opal, I guess I should say. Sigh.

Haven’t seen her in an eon or two, since she moved out of the DC area, but it’s sad news all the same. It’s too bad neither of the memorial services are particularly convenient for MADopers, but maybe we in the DC area who remember her fondly should get together sometime soon for an informal wake.

[Guy_Incognito]

I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news. I wish peace to Opal and the loved ones she leaves behind.

[carnivorousplant]

@Leaffan

Huh?

I vaguely remember that.

[Critical_Mass]

I’m terribly saddened to learn of Opal’s passing. This community has lost part of its soul.

Condolences to her survivors.

Safe travels, Opal.

[carnut]

Oh Opal, I was wondering why I hadn’t seen a post from you recently. This makes me so sad to hear.

My condolences to all whose hearts she touched.

[Loach]

@Acsenray

Then open a new thread. That’s a bombshell of a drive by.

No need to rehash here. The story is easy to find if you search for threads started by her.

[splatterpunk]

@Acsenray

Then open a new thread. That’s a bombshell of a drive by.

Dude, she started a thread about it. It was the “they hacked my website” that turned out to be “no, they really didn’t” debacle. It was a fairly big deal at the time and should be easy to find in a search.

[dantheman]

@RTFirefly

Snark or not, gotta say they both said something that had me nodding and saying to myself, “That’s our Opal.”

That was our Opal, I guess I should say. Sigh.

Haven’t seen her in an eon or two, since she moved out of the DC area, but it’s sad news all the same. It’s too bad neither of the memorial services are particularly convenient for MADopers, but maybe we in the DC area who remember her fondly should get together sometime soon for an informal wake.

Yeah.

[Lamar_Mundane]

@splatterpunk

Dude, she started a thread about it. It was the “they hacked my website” that turned out to be “no, they really didn’t” debacle. It was a fairly big deal at the time and should be easy to find in a search.

Here we go…

I don’t have any “friends” on the internet, only in real life, and I’ve never posted in a memorial thread, but I feel that I need to pay my respects. She was a big part of what this place became and is today.

RIP

[Fionn]

I’m very sorry for her friends and family. It’s difficult to imagine the SDMB without her.