Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Long

LONG – Mary Elizabeth Long--known also to many as Betty, Liz, Mom, Gram and G--died peacefully at home on July 12, embraced by family and with her beloved dog, Sonny, at her side. Born September 18, 1941 in Revloc, daughter of the late Henry and Mary E. (Urban) Radebach. Preceded in death by husband Edwin A. Long, and brothers: Theodore “Ted”; Jim “Tex”; and John “Jack” Radebach. Survived by loving children: Kim (Mike) Sossong, Portage RD; Jeff Long, Ebensburg; Bryan (Peggy) Long, Portage RD; Pam (Bob) Bono, Ebensburg; Ed (Sherri) Long; Doug (Leigh Ann) Long, also of Portage RD, and Scott (Michelle) Long, Ebensburg; and grandchildren: Laura, Becky, & Justine Sossong; Brittany (Mark) McRobie, Jeffrey, Cameron & Morgan Long; Kyle, Dusty, & Jarrett Long; Chrissy (Denton) Earnhardt, Suze, Bobby (Brittany) & Joey Bono; Kandace & Brandon, Kaitlyn & Ethan Long; Chelsey, Coleman & Cassidy Long and great-granddaughter: Danika Earnhardt. Also survived by brother, Bill (Ann) Radebach and sister, Shirley “Toots” Folckemer, all of Ebensburg, numerous nieces and nephews and trusted companion, her faithful dog “Sonny”. In the day or two preceding her passing, Betty expressed numerous times that she thought she was already in heaven. And perhaps she was. For Betty spent her life creating a world around her that resembled her own version of paradise. The home in which she raised her seven children became the second home of dozens of grandchildren, neighbor kids, and pretty much anyone who needed to be fed, fueled with laughter, or filled with stories. With her joyous spirit and immutable childlike sense of wonder, Betty took great pleasure in the happiness of others and her success in life seemed to be directly correlated to the number of smiles she could bring to the faces of those around her--through her tremendous generosity, with her ample supply of wisecracks, and by sharing her appreciation of the simple beauty around her. She fed birds from her porch in the winter and taught her grandchildren to relish the wild fury of summer thunderstorms as they snuggled together under blankets on her porch swing. She reminded us all that right where we were was the best place we could be...there with each other. Betty grew up in Revloc and attended Ebensburg Cambria High School. She married Ed Long in 1960 and they settled on New Germany Road where she happily remained for the rest of her life. Betty and Ed traveled quite prolifically--across the country and several times overseas--to see the world. But Betty, in her grace and gratitude, believed that she already lived in the best part of it. Throughout her life she enjoyed gardening, swimming, word games, golfing and especially bowling. For decades, Betty regularly bowled a perfectly mediocre game, apparently more focused on knocking her friends over with laughter than actually knocking those pins down! She treasured her friends, who she treated and loved as family. Her sister, Toots, remained a close and dear companion throughout her life. Betty loved animals, though none more than her cherished border collie, Sonny, who has always been absolutely dedicated to her, far more obedient than her children or grandchildren, and has had big enough ears to absorb her constant chatter and enough sense not to interrupt! Betty will be missed by us all, but her spirit will be easy to see in the acts of generosity, kindness to others, and belly-aching laughter that she has inspired in all who knew her. A Special Thanks is extended to Betty’s wonderful in-home caregivers, who quickly became part of the family and extended as much love and grace to Betty as she deserved. Also thanks to the Windber Hospice. Betty’s quick wit and love of life kept us all laughing to the very end of her life. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a vigil prayer service will be held Thursday evening. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday at Immaculate Conception Church, New Germany, the Rev. Fr. Leon Hont, OSB, celebrant. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Germany. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.