Obituary of Opal F. Van Duzor

~ Port St. John ~ Our Beloved Opal Florene Van Duzor passed away peacefully on June 1, 2018. Opal was born in Laurel Hill, FL on September 16, 1938, to Willie Pearl Mitchell and Robert Louie Tucker. She attended Lakeview High School in Winter Garden, FL and graduated from Vero Beach High School. Opal’s career and gift of communication and warmth as an administrative assistant spanned many decades. Her most recent and gratifying employment was at the law firm, Cianfrogna, Telfer, Reda, Faherty PA. In addition, Opal contributed her expertise working for State Farm Insurance Company and Piper Aircraft Corporation. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Port St. John, FL. Opal embodied love and displayed love through her solid faith, gardening, humor, nurturing spirit and preparing southern comfort food. She was an avid supporter of her  boys’ youth and high school sports. Opal enjoyed many offshore fishing excursions with her family. She fiercely loved and protected her children, Roger Mathews (Karen) of Port St. Lucie, FL; Richard Mathews of Sebastian, FL; Daniel Costello (Gayna) of Pensacola, FL and stepdaughter, Denise Grode (Michael) of Middleton, WI. She was an adoring and proud grandmother to Audrey Mathews, Ashley and Dylan Costello; Garrett and Matthew Garcia. Opal is survived by sisters; Faye Fields (Tom), and Mary Ricketson. She is pre-deceased by her dear son, Scott Bradley Mathews; daughter in- law, Debra Thompson Mathews; and sister, Jean Spears. Opal married the love of her life, Milton Frederick Van Duzor on December 23, 1981. They have cherished thirty- seven years together. Opal and Fred had a mutual love of dance, music, food and laughter, which enriched their lives together. For many years, Opal has been the loving caretaker of her husband Fred, as he battles multiple cancers. Her unwavering support and selfless acts of kindness have kept Fred alive and well. Despite Fred’s struggles with cancer, he lovingly took the reigns as the sole caretaker when her health declined. Their marriage was a beautiful representation of unconditional, reciprocal love. A celebration of her life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, please send any charitable donations to the SPCA of North Brevard, Inc., Florida No Kill Animal Shelter, 455 Cheney Highway, Titusville, FL 32780. www.nokillnetwork.org