Nancy Joan Oppel

Nancy Joan Oppel, age 75, of Nottingham, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026.

Born on December 9, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Charles Ackerman, Sr. and Loretta Czerkawski. She lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to serving others.

Nancy devoted much of her life to public service and care for her community. She proudly served as a Baltimore City police officer, later worked for The Baltimore Sun, and went on to serve as a senior housing manager with Catholic Charities, where her kindness and leadership touched many lives.

An avid gardener and animal lover, Nancy found joy tending to her roses and watching hummingbirds and cardinals at her feeders. She cherished the holidays, delighting in decorating her home and gathering family together. A gifted cook, she was known for treasured family recipes, including her all-day homemade spaghetti and Polish sausage with sauerkraut, honoring her Polish heritage.

Nancy also loved to travel, especially cruising with her childhood friends Jack and Linda Carney to destinations such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Aruba.

A devoted Catholic, Nancy was a lifelong member of St. Dominic's Church in Hamilton, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. Known for her big heart, she offered comfort, kindness, and care to all who needed it.

Nancy was the beloved wife of Earl G. Oppel, Jr., with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She was the cherished sister of Kathryn Donohue (Kevin) and the late Charles Ackerman, Jr. and John Ackerman. She was a devoted aunt to Christopher Ackerman, Erin (Ryan) O'Malley, and Kelsey (Nicholas) Mangione, and a loving great-aunt, affectionately known as "Nanny," to Nicholas, Berkeley, Bailey, Daniel, and Kevin. She is also survived by many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Nancy's life at Evans Life Celebration Home, 8800 Harford Road, Parkville, MD, with visitation on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Ursula's Catholic Church, Parkville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.