Daphne Opdyke

Daphne Northern Opdyke, born Daphne Francis Price Lucas in Athol, Kentucky, on October 23, 1926, died peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the age of 98. A lifelong learner, world traveler, clinical psychologist, and beloved mother and grandmother, Daphne lived with curiosity, resilience, and an enduring belief in the power of kindness.

Daphne was preceded in death by her husbands, George Opdyke and Ernest "Buster" Northern, as well as her sons, Ernest Bently "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 Lexington Northern, and her half-brother Michael Lucas (Merry). She is also mourned by dear friends, extended family, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Born in the hollows of Eastern Kentucky nearly a century ago, Daphne entered a world of woodstoves and winding dirt roads. She lived long enough to see rockets soar into space, artificial intelligence reshape human potential, and the globe itself drawn closer by invisible threads. Her mind remained agile and open to change-an explorer not only of continents but of ideas, questions, and the inner lives of others.

Daphne served for many years as the executive director of a community mental health clinic. She approached her work as a clinical psychologist with fierce intellect, compassion, and a deep commitment to the dignity of every person she served. A believer in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, she earned her final master's degree in her sixties and remained intellectually engaged into her final years.

Since 2005, Daphne made her home at 3030 Park in Bridgeport, where she served as president of the Resident Council and became a beloved member of the community. In her eighties, she co-founded a writing group, The Not Yet Dead Poets Society, through which she continued to explore her love of words and storytelling. She was a proud Episcopalian and devoted member of Christ Church in Stratford, where she served on the vestry.

Daphne lived fully and expansively, traveling to over 60 countries in the later decades of her life. Her adventurous spirit, sharp wit, sense of humor, and warm presence left a lasting impression wherever she went. She often said her goal was to "do something every day to make someone smile"-a mission she fulfilled with grace and generosity. Even in her final days, she listened deeply, shared laughter, and offered comfort to others.

She spent the last year of her life under hospice care, defying expectations with her enduring vitality and clarity of mind. Her final months were made brighter by her devoted aides, Donna Matos and Zilma Martins, whose care brought her dignity, companionship, and peace.

Among Daphne's last words were: "Life goes on, and let's go with it... you get the most of it and make somebody feel a little better every day." She certainly did just that-and so much more.

A memorial service will be held at 3030 Park in Bridgeport, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites donations in Daphne's memory to Hartford HealthCare at Home - Hospice, whose support helped guide her peaceful transition.