Mary Bennett Long

Mary had a beautiful spirit. She devoted her life to her family. She was a teacher (the first kindergarten teacher at the Highcroft Country Day School in Wayzata) and a community volunteer (Citizen of the Year with special commendation from the Director of the FBI for her efforts in crime prevention).

She deeply loved her Catholic faith and was a devoted supporter of her church and of many charities.

She was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Palm Beach, Florida. After her marriage in 1960, she lived in Wayzata, Minnesota, and then in Naples, Florida. Most recently, she lived near her daughter in McLean, Virginia.

Her husband of fifty years, George Robert Long, preceded her in death in 2010. She was his devoted caregiver during his long illness.

Mary raised three loving daughters: Lisa Long Kennedy (Kermit) of McLean, Virginia, Virginia Long McKenzie (Barry) of Naples, Florida, and Joanie Long Ganobsik (Dale) of Westerville, Ohio. She was the devoted and delighted grandmother of eight: George, Daniel, Katherine, and Elizabeth Kennedy; and Joseph, Stephen, Andrew, and Katherine Ganobsik. Known as their beloved "Mimi,” she will be deeply missed by all.

Mary is survived by her dear brother, Thomas Taylor Bennett (Rita), and her dear sister- in-law, Elizabeth Moran Bennett, and forty-eight nieces and nephews, all dear to her heart.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Lillian Taylor Bennett and James Galbraith Bennett.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, James Galbraith Bennett, Jr. (Barbara) and Russell Meridan Bennett, II and by two sisters, Lillian Bennett Markoe (James) and Virginia Bennett Peters (Steven).

Mary attended Graham-Eckes Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, and graduated at age sixteen from West High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Known for her kind heart, her generosity to all, and her great sense of humor, Mary had many, many loyal friends.

She was a favorite confidante and was known for her wise counsel.

She will be remembered for her devotion to God and for her loving heart.