Lucy Marie Long

Lucy Marie Long was a woman for whom actions would speak louder than words. Lucy was practical and focused on common sense. The qualities of being fair, just and the ability to recognize what was right were clearly driving forces in Lucy’s life. Lucy was modest in her actions and extremely literal in her thoughts and in the manner in which she communicated with others. When Lucy said something, she meant it. All those who knew her recognized this trademark quality and loved her for it.

Her parents were Robert and Ada, who were second generation Italians. Lucy was born and raised in Massachusetts. Even as a small child, Lucy wanted to understand what was right and what was wrong in any given situation. As Lucy grew older, she realized the importance of being treated fairly, and in return, she treated everyone around her the same way.

Growing up, Lucy sought to treat those around her with respect. Lucy was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Fran and Mary. With a large age difference between Lucy and her younger sisters, she often found herself helping her mother with the parenting responsibilities. This forced Lucy to grow up quickly and left her with the desire to experience more of life on her own. Lucy left home as a young adult. Over the years her personal and professional life kept her away, but her family was always in her heart and she kept a very close bond with her sisters to the very end.

During her childhood, family and friends viewed Lucy as a quiet and reserved person with what most would consider a calm and tranquil demeanor. In fact, she was a fairly curious child who had the ability to entertain herself. A great deal of Lucy’s free time was spent learning how and why the things around her worked. She was an active child who loved being outdoors and absorbing all the sensory input that nature could provide. Due to her family situation and her cultural environment, Lucy liked to spend time alone so she loved going on long walks and exploring in the woods on her own.

The fact that she was curious was an asset to Lucy while she was in school. She loved attending her classes, completing her school work and the social environment that school provided. Experience was Lucy’s best teacher. Lucy did not have a favorite class but she mostly enjoyed subjects involving numbers and writing. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. McKenna. In addition to being on the school newspaper staff, her class mates will most remember her for having her own column as Little Lulu. During this time, she became close friends with Cookie. Even though they lost contact over the years, they were able to reconnect at their 50th year, high school reunion. Cookie always held a dear place in Lucy's heart. Later in life, Lucy made many dear friends but she moved frequently for work and family so it was difficult to forge long lasting friendships.

The same qualities that served as assets for Lucy while she was in high school were tools that contributed to her success and achievements in later years. Later in Life, Lucy attended community college on her own time and on her own expense while working and attending to her family. Her favorite course was book keeping and just as in high school, she enjoyed any subject that focused on numbers.

Lucy eventually meet the love of her life Chris. Being coworkers, they found that they had a deep appreciation for one another and married. They shared a special bond for thirty six years. One of their best memories together was their cruise to Hawaii.

Lucy was blessed with six children, two daughters, Roni and Cindy and four sons, Jimmy, Ray, Brian, and Dan. She was also blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Jen, Lucy, Alicia, Christopher, Desi, Stephanie, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Michael, Miranda, Daniel, Andrew, and Kyle. Her memory will also be cherished by her fifteen great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. With such a large and dispersed family, maintaining close contact was difficult but all were always in her heart. Many fond memories were shared with her children and will be deeply cherished with her passing.

Lucy had many occupations through the years but her primary work focused on administrative and secretarial work. Lucy retired in her fifties so she could enjoy more time with her family.

Lucy had many interests and particularly enjoyed the “alone” time her hobbies provided. Lucy loved spending time at the casinos, shopping on-line, and playing her computer games. She also loved many types of crafting including cross-stitch, ceramics, and crochet. Unfortunately, in later years, these things became more difficult for her to enjoy. Lucy was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with her loved ones.

Lucy was a lover of animals and cherished her many pets. Among Lucy’s favorites were her surviving pets, Babe, a mix breed dog, and Butch the cat. Most importantly, was Stormy, her German Shepard with whom she shared a special closeness.

Lucy passed away on June 19, 2018 in the comfort of her home, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lucy bravely struggled and coped with COPD. She is survived by her loving husband, Chris, two sisters, Mary and Fran, six children, Roni, Jimmy, Cindy, Ray, Brian, and Dan, her thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and her three great great grandchildren. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lucy was a very practical person and had a common sense approach to life. She loved her family dearly. The experiences she treasured most were those she shared with her loved ones. Lucy Marie Long will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

JUST ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY

If I had1 wish, that’s what everyone would say

Think of all the memories that will fade away,

If for nothing that we pray. So when it’s all said and done,

And I’m gone away, the one thing I’ll know for sure

During my brief stay, if it wasn’t for my mother,

these words I couldn’t say. It’s all about my mother’s love

I knew would never stray. She’s always been there for me

each and every day. She raised me up taught me right and

sent me on my way. So thank you Lord,

please hear me pray. For giving my mom her first Birthday!

Just a little something I wanted to say,

Just another beautiful day!

A poem by…James Robert Vaughn