Former Claremont resident Stephanie Annette May-Opstad died unexpectedly at the age of 51 on May 14, 2009. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Ms. May-Opstad’s “passionate love of life and her family made her radiate warmth and beauty,” wrote her daughter, Kirsten Opstad, in a remembrance.

“In addition to her good looks,” Kirsten continued, Ms. May-Opstad passed on her love of the performing arts to her girls—she had 4 daughters, her deepest pride in life. Her eldest 3 daughters all graduated from Claremont High School where they participated in the school’s drama program. One of Ms. May-Opstad’s greatest joys was watching her daughters perform in plays and improv.

She, too, performed in numerous plays throughout her life and sang soprano in numerous choirs and was a talented and accomplished dancer. A native of Lakeland, Florida, she attended Florida State University on a dance scholarship and was a dance teacher for Arthur Murray.

As a child, Ms. May-Opstad moved with her family to Long Beach where she grew up. She married David Opstad in 1981, moving to northern California for a period and then back to southern California. After the marriage ended in divorce in the early 90s, she moved, along with her 4 daughters, to Claremont.

“I admire the way she was able to love other people even when things weren’t great for her,” commented her daughter, Kirsten. “It was her goal in life to make our lives better. I’m so grateful for my mom. All of us are.”

In addition to performing and watching her daughters perform, Ms. May-Opstad’s other great joys included spending time with her great-niece and nephew and going to Balboa Beach. Always looking for ways to show her loved ones that she cared, she loved making a great production out of family holiday gatherings—especially Christmas—and surprising family members with creative gift baskets on other special occasions such as Valentine’s Day. She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing.

Though times were not always easy, shared her family, Ms. May-Opstad was a persistent believer in second chances—she never gave up.

“Stephanie was a woman of deep faith; she taught her daughters that when God closes a door he opens a window. She taught the people around her the importance of finding joy in the world around them. Stephanie loved unconditionally and generously,” wrote her daughter, Kirsten. “For this and much more, she will be remembered and missed.” 

And, as anyone who knew her could attest, she never left the house without red lipstick and nail polish.

Ms. May-Opstad is survived by her 4 daughters, Sarah (29), Ashley (26), Kirsten (22) and Rebecca (17) Opstad; by her mother, Annette May; by her 2 older sisters, Bess Mewes and Margaret Dorman; by her 6 nieces and nephews; and by 2 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Balboa Beach Gazebo. Please email Ashleyopstad@gmail.com for details.

In her memory, yellow roses may be sent to 6152 California Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805.