Angela Long

Angela “Angie” Long, age 53, went to be with her Lord on June 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Brune; mother, Virginia Southers; and brother, Jeffrey Brune. She is survived by her husband, Philip Long; son, Zachary Long; daughter, Sophia Long; sisters Chris Elder and Lisa Gustafson; nephews and nieces Erik Johnson, Sean Elder, Katie Elder, Jacob Elder, Elizabeth Glenn, and Dylan Glenn; and stepfather, James Southers.

Our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to Angela, our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. At the age of 53, Angela left us, leaving behind a legacy of love, selflessness, and quiet strength. Confronted with many serious medical challenges, she faced them all with courage and tremendous spirit for as long as she could. Though she may no longer be with us in physical form, her spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish.

Angela was a woman with a great sense of humor and a sharp wit that brightened the lives of those around her. From her earliest days, she entertained her family and friends with her antics, and she loved nothing more than to make people laugh. Over the last few days, many of her friends referred to her infectious spirit, her love of life, and her 90-watt smile that made you always want to be near her; she just drew people to her. Memories shared from her basketball and softball teams tell what a tremendous athlete she was. She especially loved to beat her husband in horse! When her body was healthy in her younger years, she showed tremendous promise as a gifted athlete. But for her, it was always about her friends; she played sports because she enjoyed the camaraderie.

The days that her son and daughter were born were the happiest in Angela’s life. She always wanted to be a mother, and she reveled in it. She practiced for years on her nephews and niece, loving and spoiling them all. She was so proud of all her extended family and loved them so, but there was a shift the day her own son was born. Her children hung the moon and stars. When her daughter followed and she had her little girl, her life was complete. She spent the rest of her days trying to be the best mother she could be, despite many physical limitations. She loved her family immeasurably and wanted nothing more than happiness and joy for them. Angela loved supporting her children not only in their athletic or artistic pursuits, but she was also the mom who was at “any school function or event,” as her son’s friend remembers. Her unwavering support in their lives was a true testament to her love and devotion as a mother, and she poured out all the love she possibly could from a tender and caring heart to all those she cared about.

While caring for her aging mother and father, Angela’s capacity to love selflessly and limitlessly bloomed, and she found that her greatest calling came when she cared for them in their final years. It was during this time that her special gifts shone brightly. Angela traveled countless miles to ensure her parents' comfort, offering her selfless love, cooking, cleaning, and companionship. Her close connection with her father was particularly remarkable. Affectionately calling him "Poppyseed," Angela's love and grace prevailed as she tended to his every need, never faltering in her care and support. Their bond was unbreakable, forged through a lifetime of shared experiences, camping, road trips, sporting events, and countless movie and euchre nights. Together, they weathered life's challenges, sharing both tears and laughter along the way. They had a unique and special bond forged by the very simple understanding that life was not always easy and part of the gift of life was suffering through pain and getting to the other side. One of the most special times Angela and her sisters spent together in their adult lives was in the final days walking their own mother home while she was in hospice. As hard as something like this is, it was made bearable by the deep love these sisters had for one another. They would each individually say this was a uniquely special time of closeness in their lives.

Angela found her greatest joy in being a wife to her husband Phil and mother to her two children Zachary and Sophia; her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart and soul into nurturing and protecting them. Angela's strength and endurance were remarkable, as she faced years of chronic pain and illness. Her unyielding spirit and determination kept her fighting for a very long time, a true testament to her resilience. Her strong faith buoyed her greatly in the later stages of her life as her health challenges escalated, and she took great comfort and enjoyment in her spirituality and participation in church activities while embracing God’s love for her.

Today, we gather not only to mourn Angela's passing but also to celebrate her very special life. She was a woman of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love. Her selflessness and enduring spirit touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. While Angela's physical presence will be missed, her legacy of love will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. May Angela find eternal peace, free from pain and suffering. As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember her with smiles and laughter, for those were the moments she cherished most. In our memories, Angela will forever be the loving mother, wife and sister, devoted daughter, and cherished friend who left an indelible mark on our lives. Rest in peace, dear Angela. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, Michigan. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Angie, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Humane Society. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.