Patricia A. Oplinger

Patricia A. (Templeton) Oplinger , age 88, of Northampton, PA. passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Sacred Heart Senior Living in Northampton, PA. Patricia graduated from Northampton Area High School in 1954.  She earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at West Chester State College in 1958.  She later earned a Master of Education degree at Marywood College, Scranton, Pa. in 1986.  She taught music education and 5th grade at Northampton Area School District then taught 4th grade at Wayne Highlands School District in Honesdale, Pa. until her retirement in 1996.

After retiring, Pat relocated to a golf community in Cherokee Village, Arkansas where she enjoyed many years of golfing, church activities, making many friends and writing poetry and short publications until finally moving back to the Lehigh Valley in 2020 to be closer to her children.

Pat sang in her church and community choirs throughout her life and published seven "coffee table" poetry books.  She was one of the original founders of the "Storybook Project" in Arkansas, a prison ministry program which used childrens books to maintain the connection between incarcerated women and their children in the community.  She was voted "Educator of the Year" in 2004 for her work on this project.

Together with her former husband Jim, they raised four children together: Carol Jane Barrett, Nancy DeJesus, Sandra Walter and James R. Oplinger.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Nancy DeJesus of Washington, NJ and her son, James Oplinger of Lititz, Pa. as well as her grandsons Todd Walter of Myrtle Beach, SC, Connor Oplinger of Philadelphia, Pa. and Carson Oplinger of Lititz, Pa.  She had two granddaughters: Courtney Walter of Myrtle Beach, SC and Elizabeth Barrett of Columbia, SC. and two great-granddaughters: Madeline and Sophia, both of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Pat had a close relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit throughout her life and worshipped regularly.  She taught the word of God to her family and lived her Christian values.  She will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her for her beautiful singing voice, her passion for the arts and her love for her family.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 14 2025, 11:00AM at Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Avenue Northampton PA 18067 with The Rev. Gary Walbert officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM up until time of service.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com