Obituary of Patricia Long

Patricia Long, daughter of Frank and Anna, passed away peacefully on January 23rd at her home in Dearborn with her eldest son Jim and her caregiver Sharon at her side. She is survived by her former husband and lifelong companion Jim the father of her four children, daughter Michelle, three sons Jim (& Judith), David (& Cathy), and Bradley (& Marilyn), and grandson James. Pats family and friends were immensely supportive along with Angelas Hospice care, and other devoted caregivers who helped Pat to spend her final year contently and comfortably in her own home. Pat grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania during the Great Depression with her mother, brother Stan, and two sisters, Helen and Bertha, but without her father who died when she was two. In her late teens, she moved to the Detroit area and stayed with her sister Berthas family, and ultimately remained in the area, settling in Dearborn in 1966 with her family where she lived a rich and fulfilling life. Dear friend to Pat and her family, Frank Gasiorek noted, "Pat captured the American dream with family, home, education, and career", and was also kind enough to note some of the highlights of Pats life (included below). For 3 decades Pat worked as a ballroom dance instructor, first with Arthur Murray Dance Studios and then privately. Pat received her Masters Degree from the University of Michigan Dearborn while working and raising a family. She was a favorite high school substitute teacher in Dearborn, and then later a Disability Examiner for the State of Michigan, retiring in the 1990s. Pat was an active member in her community and had a passion for local history. She followed local and national politics - productively engaging with her elected representatives. Pat was a member, docent, and volunteer for several local organizations, such as the Henry Ford Estate, Dearborn Historical Society, and Detroit Historical Museum, just to name a few. She had a special appreciation for the history and legacy of Henry Ford and his familys and companys legacy and contribution to our local community - its residents, beauty, and prosperity. Pat was a devoted Catholic and member of Divine Child parish. Her faith and those from Divine Child who helped her practice it even from home, were a great comfort to her (Father Matt, and Joanne). She loved to travel in the U.S. and internationally, visiting Asia and Europe where she met Pope John Paul II during a papal mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. At age 60, Pat began race walking and became an athlete winning medals at tournaments and the senior olympics for race walking. Our appreciation and memories of Patricia will live on in us and she will be fondly and frequently missed. A Catholic memorial Mass was held Friday, February 14th, 2020 at Divine Child church in Dearborn. Afterwards friends and family were treated by Pat to a (memorial) luncheon at the Dearborn Hills Golf Club. Wed like to thank everyone who attended the mass or luncheon, and those who shared their condolences, remembrances, cards, flowers, or made donations toward a memorial bench for Pat located in the Blue Garden at the Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane; which held a special significance to her, for which she would be honored. Please feel free to share your condolences or a memory you had of Pat as they may occur to you and if you wish to share them here at the Cremation Society of Michigans website, and/or email her family at PatLongDBN@gmail.com. God bless you, The Long Family Pat Long: An Admirable Person and Legacy By Frank Gasiorek I. Early Years: Pennsylvania-immigrant family background • Moved to Detroit, MI., attended Detroit Central High School • Her interests in family, friends, dance, music, travel, and history developed • Recognized the value of critical thinking and health education • Captured the American dream with family, home, education, career • A positive force in her community dedicated to promoting history II. Education: • Detroit Central High School; Academic Degree • University of Michigan; SA in History, MA in Counseling • Arthur Murray Dance Studios III. Work Assignments: • Fordson High School; Educator • Arthur Murray Dance Studios; independent contractor-dance instructor • Michigan State Office; Detroit area insurance assessor • Detroit Upbeat/Planit Michigan; Independent contractor - tours/projects IV. Volunteer Assignments: • Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane; Docent and special events • Henry Ford Heritage Association; member and special events • Dearborn Historical Society; member, reception and events • Henry Ford Museum; member and special events • Detroit Historical Museum; member, docent and special events • Motor Cities National Heritage Association; member of lecture series • Dearborn Colony Club; member and events planner • Detroit Symphony/Orchestra Hall; usher for concerts • Detroit Institute of Arts; member and special event programs • Wayne State University; customer service for open house programs