Paige Marie Oppe, “Paigie”, of Franklin, Massachusetts went to be with her Savior on August 15, 2023. She was the beloved daughter of Mike and Sheri (Elkins) Oppe and devoted sister to Samuel Oppe. She is survived by her grandmother Nelda Elkins “Nana”, her grandfather Warren Oppe “Poppy”, Auntie Pam Wright, Uncle Bill and Aunt Kay Oppe, Uncle Mike Elkins and cousins Megan (Mark)Taylor and children Adelaide and Harrison, Ben (Heather)Smith, Lauren Oppe, Kevin (Destiny)Oppe and Jacob Oppe. She is preceded in death by her grandmother Dolores Oppe and grandfather John Elkins.
Born in Summit, New Jersey on August 4, 1989, Paige moved with her family to Connecticut at age three. Here she began an intensive movement program to help with her developmental delays. Connecticut is where more than 50 volunteers came to the house each week and became Paige and Sam’s extended family. This is also where our petite, nonverbal dynamo began having a quiet but profound impact on so many people.
Paige and her family moved to Franklin, MA in 1997 where she and her brother grew to be adults. Because she was homeschooled, Paigie could discover and indulge her passions—music, art, and animals. Horseback riding was a favorite, as were Saturday morning art sessions with Sue and weekly trips to Crossroads for Physical Therapy. She devoured books of every kind. For a time, she attended Meeting Street High School in Providence, RI and graduated in 2011 with some new friendships.
Paige was then introduced to Resources for Human Potential (RHD), an art-based day program in Pawtucket, RI. It was here that Paige discovered and began to develop her artistic gifts as an adult.
Sadly, RHD closed in 2020 due to the pandemic but Paige was able to continue her art privately with Carrie, it’s art director. When the pandemic subsided a bit, Paige happily returned to Pawtucket and her people at the Outsider Collective “OC”, the art studio Carrie founded. Paige flourished in this authentic environment of creativity and socialization. She planned her week around and mustered her energy for that Friday afternoon time. Whether working on her own art or just sitting around the table with friends—some old, some new—she was at home there.
Music was a huge part of Paige’s life. Music of some kind was always playing at home and singing with her Mama was her favorite part of church. She would’ve loved to play piano, then it was the violin, and most recently the cello was her favorite stringed instrument. Paige was a Swiftie from the start and never tired of Josh Groban.
Paige had a way of bringing out the best in others. Her support system over the years was full of spirited New Englanders who would do absolutely anything for her. People were drawn to and marveled at her tenacity, resilience and strength. And, her unexpected sense of humor. You never knew what would make her laugh but you’d better be ready to laugh at yourself.
Paige loved being with her friends and family. However, she also required a certain amount of time to herself in her oasis apartment. Content in the company of her fish Minnie Pearl and Johnny, dogs Eddie then Otto at her feet and whichever birds happen to stop by her window bird feeder, she’d kick everybody else out.
Everybody except her brother, Sam. Paige cherished time with her Bubby – it didn’t matter what they did—she treasured every minute.
Paige loved deeply: Jesus, her family and friends. And, she was fiercely loyal. That said, she had no patience for flattery, pretense or anyone who assumed she had nothing to say.
And, Paige had so much to say.
She spoke with her smile. The wry grin that said “I know something you don’t know”, or “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” As the years went on, her full-blown smile became increasingly rare. A precious gift she bestowed at the most surprising times and, often, to the most unanticipated recipients.
Paige spoke with her eyes. Sapphire-colored eyes that clearly communicated her needs, wishes and opinions. She let us know when she was ready to get a new beta fish, or put on Game Show Network, and how much she wanted a tattoo— specifically a butterfly tattoo.
At the same time, those intense eyes could look straight into your soul. “Are you sure you want to do that?”, “Don’t you think it’s time to forgive so and so?”. But, also “I know you can do it”, and one she doled out the most generously “I love you just the way you are.”
Paige’s art dove deep into the heart of artists and non-artists alike. Paige’s strength, confidence and not-of-this world color palette were evidence of the vibrant connection she had with heaven. Her art said: It’s possible to endure and achieve far more than you may appear to be able. Paige said: If I can do it, so can you. Jesus isn’t just there for me, He’s there for you, too.
Paige’s art spoke HOPE.
Paige will be dearly missed but there is comfort in knowing she’s finally free, with Jesus by her side forever. We envision her adding beautiful colors to the heavens for the glory of God for all of us to enjoy with her someday.
The family had a private burial service conducted by Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin. (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com.)
Donations may be made in Paige’s memory to: The Outsider Collective, 1005 Main Street, Suite 2233, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860-7802.