Daphne Opdyke

1926 - 2025

Daphne Opdyke
Daphne Northern Opdyke, born Daphne Lucas in Athol, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the age of 98.
A clinical psychologist and lifelong learner, Daphne served as executive director of a community mental health clinic and earned her final master's degree in her sixties. She was endlessly curious and adventurous, traveling to over 60 countries in her later years. Her motto was simple but powerful: "Do something every day to make someone smile."
She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Opdyke and Ernest "Buster" Northern, and her sons, Ernest "Benny" Northern and Joseph Northern. She is survived by her grandsons, Lucas Northern (Jake Humphries) and Joseph "Joby" Northern; her niece Tamara Lucas (Ana Maria Villegas); great granddaughter Leighton Northern; and her half-brother Michael Lucas (Merry).
Since 2005, Daphne lived at 3030 Park in Bridgeport, where she served as president of the Resident Council. In her 80s, she co-founded a writing group called The Not Yet Dead Poets Society and remained active in her church and community.
Her final year on hospice care was marked by grace, dignity, and love, thanks in large part to the devoted care of her longtime aides, Donna Matos and Zilma Martins.
A memorial service will be held at 3030 Park, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartford HealthCare at Home - Hospice.