Obituary of Marilyn Long

Marilyn J. Long (nee Burt) Age 91, of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born August 26, 1923 in Joliet, to William P. and Mary E. (nee Callaghan) Burt. She was a graduate of St. Francis Academy and member of the Phi Chi Omega Sorority. She was a founding parishioner of the Church of St. Jude and a founding officer of its Altar and Rosary Society. After graduating from St. Francis Academy, Marilyn worked for several years at the main post office in downtown Joliet until she married and had children. After raising 4 children she returned to work as office manager for her husband's Incentive Marketing company. Marilyn also did special accounting projects for their Budweiser distributorship, Eagle Brands. Marilyn and Bob travelled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with their children and grandchildren. Marilyn eagerly anticipated every opportunity to be "on the road again". She loved to spend the winters at their Venice, Florida, home, and her favorite destination was Ireland, which she visited many times. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage. Marilyn was an avid reader, and enjoyed the theater, movies, horse racing and shopping, especially for gifts for family and friends. But most of all, she treasured being with her family, her pride and joy. Nothing was more important than being a wife, a mother and a grandmother. Every gathering, large or small, was a cause of celebration and creating new memories. She was truly the heart of the home. She was the true model of love for family and we will carry that legacy forward. Beloved wife of Robert A. Long, "side by side" for 67 years; devoted mother of Kerry Long (Tom Manaher) of Chicago, Connie (Richard) Myers of Houston, TX, Barrett (Jeanne) Long, of Western Springs, IL, and Erin (Matt) Springman of Charlotte, NC; adoring and indulgent grandmother of Bridget (Vince) Mullins, Kevin Springman, Mary Kate Springman and Maggie Long; loving great-grandmother of Ava Mary Mullins, whom she holds in her arms in heaven; fond sister of Joan (late Robert) Nielsen and sister-in-law of Beverly (late Thomas) Feehan; and dear aunt, great-aunt and cousin. In addition, she was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William (Phyllis); and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Loretta (James) Sullivan; Tom (Martha), John (Alice), Barrett ( Catherine), Marge, Norman (Pauline) and Don Long. The family wishes to thank Drs. Alexander, Mathew and Ahmed, and Nurse Sherrie Magnuson for their excellent medical care and Marilyn's caregivers, especially Divinia Escondo and Irena Thorsen, for their devoted daily care. Funeral services for Marilyn Long will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2015, 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to the Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough St., Joliet, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Memorials in her name to Misericordia Home, 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660 or Church of St. Jude would be appreciated. Visitation Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For information (815) 741-5500.