Darrah M. Opdahl

Darrah McConnell Opdahl, 92, of Glen Arm, Maryland, passed away peacefully at Landis Homes in Lititz, Pennsylvania on 12 October 2026. Darrah Gay Best McConnell was born to Frances and Samuel McConnell on 8 September 1934 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Raised as an only child, in a turbulent family environment, Darrah’s life began in the midst of the Great Depression. Her family resided in Sea Cliff, New York. During periods when Darrah’s home life became notably unstable, caring relatives—Flora Darrah Schmidt and Emile Schmidt—brought her to live with them in Palm Beach, Florida and in Water Mill, New York. In her teen years, she attended boarding school at Tenacre School and the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. There, Darrah played field hockey and lacrosse—and was awarded a silver cup for “Courtesy and Graciousness”—qualities that she embodied throughout her life. Upon graduation in 1952, Darrah embarked on a six-month tour of Europe with the Schmidts where she was exposed to countless experiences that shaped her view of the world for life. Upon returning from Europe, she began working for Marsh’s Clothing and then for AT&T as a customer service representative. Darrah was an accomplished seamstress, and came from an extended family whose business of custom-made dress shirts for men was well-renowned. Her gifts in customer service, love for sewing, and appreciation of high-quality fabrics eventually led Darrah into home sales for Leiter’s Designer Fabrics. Darrah was an avid reader, a life-long learner, and attended Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Darrah married the love of her life, Everett Wesley Opdahl in 1956. Darrah and Everett loved each other deeply throughout their sixty-six years of marriage, and it was notable to anyone in their presence. They met while teaching Sunday School and started their life together in Sea Cliff, New York, eventually relocating to Poughkeepsie, New York; Lutherville, Maryland; and Glen Arm, Maryland. Throughout their life together, Darrah and Everett created a haven for others, including neighbors, youth, college groups, and missionaries. They modeled the love of Christ through their hospitality.

Darrah came to faith in Christ at the age of nineteen. This was the defining moment in her life that changed the trajectory of her future and touched the lives of all those who would come to know her. Her love for Christ, for God’s Word, for his Church, for her family, and for those in need characterized her life. Darrah was a gifted Bible teacher who spent many hours in deep study preparing for her classes each week—whether for Bible Study Fellowship, Grace Church’s Women in the Word, or through Precept studies she offered in her home. A gifted administrator, she served on many committees at church and in the community, including Sunday School Superintendent at Timonium Presbyterian Church; a role which she particularly loved. A devoted prayer warrior, she prayed regularly and expectantly for countless people. She had an uncanny sense of knowing when to reach out to someone who may need prayer—even if they were miles away. Perhaps she shone the most in her gifts of hospitality, encouragement, and generosity. Darrah knew no strangers. She often drew out the life story of the wait staff in a restaurant before dinner was even served. Her home was welcoming, the meals abundant, and the coffee ever-flowing. Meaningful conversation was preceded by, “First we have coffee!” Darrah had a heart for those in difficulty, and was willing to listen and encourage—(literally) no matter what time of day or night the need arose. She pointed people to Christ and to God’s Word for their ultimate answers in life. Many were blessed by their connections to her—whether staff at Lorien or Landis Homes who cared for her in recent years, friends, neighbors, those she mentored, missionaries she supported, her children whom she loved, or the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored—who knew her as Muffy.

Darrah is survived by two children: David Wesley Opdahl (Susan) of Glen Arm, Maryland; and Stephanie Opdahl Hubach (Frederick) of Stevens, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren: Whitney Opdahl, Ryan Opdahl, Erik Opdahl, Paige Opdahl Tyrie (Matthew), Frederick Hubach (Cecelia), and Timothy Hubach; and five great-grandchildren: Caroline Hubach, Dietrich Hubach, Everett Hubach, Emerson Tyrie, and Graham Tyrie. Darrah is predeceased by her husband Everett.

The family will receive visitors at E.F. Lassahn Funeral Home, 11750 Belair Road, Kingsville, Maryland on Friday, October 30th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A private family burial service will be held on 31 October 2026 at 9:30am, followed by a public celebration of life service to be held at Fork Christian Church, 6810 Sunshine Avenue, Kingsville, Maryland on 31 October 2026 at 11:00am. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Darrah McConnell Opdahl may be made to Kingdom Rain or Landis Homes.