Patricia Curtis Long

Patricia (Pat) Curtis Long, A long-time Tucson resident, died Sunday, Oct 20, 2019 at 84 years of age. Pat enjoyed a marriage of almost 60 years to Bill Long, who died in May of 2014. She was a loving and fun mother and grandmother.

Pat was born in Virginia, but grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio where she met the love of her life, Bill Long in high school. They were married in 1954 around which time Pat was attending college at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Music was in her genes, as her father Gilbert Curtis, was a high school band director, and her mother, Treva Curtis, was a piano teacher. Sixteen years later, with their family of 5, they moved out west to Tucson, AZ. Pat resumed her piano teaching career while raising 3 kids, volunteered for the Arthritis Foundation and other charities. Later, as an empty nester, Pat decided to expand her career in music. She joined the Tucson Music Teachers Association (TMTA), where she was an active member. She also began working with Mickey Greco, a prominent Tucson jazz musician, who helped get her started in composing piano music. She spent decades pursuing this passion and composed/arranged more than 50 songs.

In August 2007, Pat had a major stroke, ending her music career. For the next 12 years, she slowly declined from vascular dementia. Even in the last several years when she was not able to communicate, you could still see her connecting to music. She would tap her foot in perfect rhythm with a song, and her face would at times light up when she would hear musicians perform at her assisted living facility.

To know Pat, was to love Pat. Her zest for life and infectious smile touched all those who were blessed to know her. She inspired and shared her love of music with thousands of people. Pat is survived by her children, Debbie Clarke and Cindy Vanderkolk of Tucson, Michael Long of Dallas, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, Nov 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at The Sheraton Hotel Meeting Center, 5151 E. Grant Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: TMTA; 1242 N Mourning Dove Rd.; Green Valley, AZ 85614