Mary’s Memorial Roadtrip: Her final resting places

My name is Jodi, the youngest child of our beloved Mary Opall. Shortly after the 2024 New Year, Mary became suddenly very sick. On February 1, 2024 we learned Mary was struggling with Stage 4 Bone Cancer, and on February 9th we were admitted to our local hospital, where we found the primary problem, Stage 4 Lung Cancer, terminal. Our mother was brought home Saturday, March 2nd, to live out her remaining time with Hospice care.

It breaks my heart to see such a wonderful woman with such a difficult and rapid condition.

As many know, Mary spent almost 28 years serving our county as the top Wildlife Rehabber in our tri-county area. She is the Director of Nature World Wildlife Rescue, and was dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of all sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife throughout the Nature Coast. Her love met no bounds, and she strived to make everyone feel welcomed, loved, appreciated, and at the very least, seen. She made such an impact to everyone she met, animal or human. Now we need help giving that love back to her to fulfill her last wishes.

We are holding this fundraiser for some medical expenses, but mostly her cremation, celebration of life, and a cross-country road trip so she can be in a few places she loved most. Every penny raised will go into her, and what doesn’t will be distributed to her most prized possession, Nature World, so they can continue to operate and save the animals just as she would.

I am so thankful for my mother, and am so happy to see the difference she made for so many others as well. This tragedy will not be easily mended, but we can come together for her now and remember her in all of the best ways possible.

From the very bottom of my heart, thank you for your help.