MaryAnn Opton, 86, of Barrington, Rhode Island, passed away on October 17, 2025, after a long illness. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, on November 28, 1938, MaryAnn lived a life colored by creativity, curiosity, and an insatiable love of beauty both man-made and natural.

For 25 years, MaryAnn worked as an antique dealer, a profession that allowed her to indulge her artistic eye and passion for travel. Her earnings took her around the world, and she returned from each journey with treasures that filled her living room with stories. More than 100 scrapbooks documented her adventures in photographs, creating a visual archive of a life richly lived.

An avid gardener who brought the same care and artistry to her garden and flowers as she did to everything she touched. Animals were always part of her life; dogs, cats, and birds were constant companions.  When not designing and making jewelry, painting watercolors, or managing a vintage costume jewelry store on Etsy, she was a voracious reader.  When it came to unwinding, she had a particular fondness for British detective shows, Masterpiece Theatre, Law & Order, and when Jeopardy was on, calls went unanswered.      

She was predeceased by her daughter, Deborah. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; her stepchildren, Kathy Fox of Tampa, Florida; Richard Opton of Jupiter, Florida; and step-grandson Connor Opton also of Jupiter; Daniel Opton of Heinsburg, Vermont; and step-grandchildren Max and Ruby Opton also of Heinsburg, as well as extended family and many friends whose lives she touched.

In keeping with her wishes, she donated her body to Brown Medical School. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, an organization she supported throughout her life.

MaryAnn's legacy lives in the beauty she created, her insatiable curiosity and creativity, and the love she shared with others through her giving personality.