Our community is heartbroken by the sudden passing of Marie Blomgren, known and loved by so many as Opiumm Hayze.

Marie was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, artist, performer, producer, and community-builder. To those of us who knew her through burlesque, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Northstar Ghostbusters, and the many creative spaces she helped shape, Marie was a source of humor, warmth, imagination, and deep care.

For more than 16 years, Marie shared her nerdlesque creativity on stage and behind the scenes. She helped create beloved productions, including Trek vs Wars and North Star Nerdlesque Festival, and poured her heart into building spaces where artists felt welcomed, celebrated, and supported. Her performances were unforgettable, her sense of humor was unmatched, and her generosity left a lasting mark on countless people.

Now, we are asking our community to come together for Marie’s family.

This fundraiser is intended to provide financial support as her loved ones navigate the unimaginable challenges that come with such a sudden loss.

Donations will help ease the immediate burden of lost income, allow family members time to grieve and heal, support the practical needs that arise in the days and weeks ahead, and give them breathing room as they manage estate-related responsibilities and this painful transition.

No amount of money can lessen the grief of losing someone so deeply loved. Our hope is simply to offer Marie’s family a measure of stability, care, and support during an incredibly difficult time.

If you are able, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. If you are not in a position to give financially, sharing this fundraiser is another powerful way to support Marie’s family.

Marie gave so much of herself to her family, friends, artists, and community. Thank you for helping us honor her legacy by caring for the people she loved most.