In the book Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, Opal’s mother left when Opal was just three years old. The story does not explicitly state that Opal’s mom died. Instead, it is revealed that she left the family, which has left Opal with many unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss.
Throughout the story, Opal struggles with her feelings of abandonment and tries to understand why her mother left. This emotional journey is a significant part of her character development. The book focuses on how Opal copes with her mother’s absence and how she finds comfort and friendship in her dog, Winn-Dixie, and the people she meets in her new town.
In summary, Opal’s mom did not die in Because of Winn-Dixie; she left the family, and her absence plays a crucial role in shaping Opal’s experiences and emotions throughout the story.