Ellen Long

Ellen Long, 82, of Fort Collins died Friday, May 6, 2011 of complications from extended illness. The family moved to Colorado in 1971 with Kodak from Rochester, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 at Blessed John the 23rd at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Ellen's name to Breast Cancer or an ElderCare Charity of your choice such as Meals On Wheels Ellen worked at Bauder Elementary School as a teacher's aide and lunch clerk. Ellen was the neighborhood coordinator, hosting numerous get-togethers; her favorite being the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and party, where Ellen often was the queen of the parade. After retiring in 1988, she gave endlessly through her volunteer work. With her primary focus being her church Blessed John the 23rd, Poudre Retired School Educators Association, AARP testifying before legislative committees in Denver and DC, and the Office on Aging. Ellen was a force to be reckoned with, and her influence on the legislation will be long lasting, but the lives that she touched and nurtured as a second mother to many, is how she will be remembered most. Her memory will live on through her husband of 62 years, Don, "Shorty" Long, her children, Dennis Long, Kathy Chatterton, James Long, Michael Long, Kevin Long, Don Long, Maureen Bacchetta, and Sheila Long, and her 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.