Cynthia A. Opacki

Cynthia A. (Greene) Opacki, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and artist, was born in Spencer, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Charles W. Greene and Marjorie B. (Tower) Greene and was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Ambrose and Irene Tower, in Spencer.
Cynthia's early aspirations led her to attend Clark University on scholarships with the dream of becoming a heart surgeon. However, her path took a different turn when she became legally deaf. Undeterred, she found a new calling and became a draftsman for the Atlanta Pipeline Co. in Meridian, Mississippi, where she played a crucial role in mapping the oil pipeline from Anchorage, Alaska, to Atlanta, Georgia.
After regaining most of her hearing following ear surgery, Cynthia pursued another passion-music. She studied violin and played professionally for 38 years with numerous orchestras. Her artistic talents extended beyond music; she was also a talented painter and a proud member of the Shrewsbury Art Guild. Her artwork can be found in homes across the country, a testament to her creative spirit.
Cynthia lived life with enthusiasm and cherished her family deeply. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: daughters Susan Weidman (Michael) of Salisbury, Stephanie Baker of Millbury, Laurie Strickland Renshaw (Gregory) of Paxton; sons John Opacki Jr. (Barbara) of New Hampshire, Thomas Opacki (Angela) of Worcester, Marc Strickland (Debra) of Texas, Peter Strickland (Linda) of Tennessee, and Christopher Opacki of Georgia. Her family also includes 18 grandchildren-Erik, Heather, Anthony, Mary, Christopher, Clayton, Nathaniel, Daniel, Mitchell, Maria, Jesse, Elizabeth, Brandon, Lindsey, Diandra, Kyle, and Jaclyn-and 19 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Donna Kaestner of Mashpee.
Cynthia was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, John Opacki Sr., her son Craig Strickland, son-in-law Ronald Baker, and brothers William, Bruce, and David Greene, Lucian Tower, and John Gaudette.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 followed by a service at 6:00PM at the Britton Funeral Home, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545.
Cynthia's warmth, creativity, and love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her.