Amelia Annette Boryk Oppegaard, age 65, of Topsail Beach died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at her home.

She was born February 8, 1943 at home in St. Helena, the daughter of the late Michael Andrew and Anna Gmytruk Boryk.

Annette was a true southern lady in every facet of her life. With her warm smile and gracious manner she made everyone feel so special. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were the sunshine and greatest joy in her life. Annette has not only left a void, but a wonderful legacy of precious memories of her steadfast faith, her firm principles, her joyful laughter and her giving sweet spirit.

In 1960 Mrs. Oppegaard graduated from Burgaw High School, received her undergraduate degree in 1964 from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) and in 1995 completed her Master's degree in Library Science from NCCU. She was a dedicated teacher: serving as Media Specialist for two years at Maple Hill Elementary, seventeen years at Topsail Elementary and more recently at South Topsail Elementary School.

In 1970 Annette moved from Richmond, Virginia to Topsail Beach to take over the family business, Topsail Sound Pier and assist her father with the family farm. In addition to being an exceptional mother to Michael and Michelle she generously gave of her time to be a Girl Scout leader and a Den Mother for Cub Scouts.

Annette was a devoted member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Topsail Garden Club, Topsail Island Historical Society and Topsail Island Homemakers in which she had served as a past president.

She contributed of her time and talents to her community by serving on the Board of Directors for Coastal Carolina Girl Scout Council, Penslow Medical Center Board of Directors from 1980 to 2006, and as volunteer since the inceptions of The Big Sweep and Autumn with Topsail Festival. Annette was honored by being presented Topsail Island Woman of the Year Award.

Surviving are her husband of 39 years, M. R. "Kip" Oppegaard of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Susanne Oppegaard of Hampstead; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle O. and Eric Weaver, Sr. of Raleigh; grandchildren, Eric Michael Weaver, Jr. and Anna Amelia Boryk Weaver; special friends who were like sisters, Margarette "Missy" Lindsey and Jackie Darr; and all of her much loved extended family.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 506 S. McNeil St. in Burgaw, with The Reverend Dan Macgill officiating.

A private family burial will follow in St. Helena Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Mike Hall, Milton Horne, Ernest Puskas, Wes Reynolds, Pamela Richmond and Horace Watkins.

Serving as ushers are Dave Gardner, Keith Griffin, Randy Holladay and Kenny Sessions.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw.

In honor and memory of Annette, friends are invited to a reception at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at The Assembly Building, 720 Channell Blvd., Topsail Beach, NC 28445.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church, PO Box 841, Burgaw NC 28425, Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church, C/O Mary Bakan, PO Box 664, Burgaw, NC 28425, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter, 2222 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.