Obituary: Suzanne Long, 72, of Portland

Information via Portland Memorial Funeral Home

Suzanne Frances Long was born April 11, 1945, daughter of Francis Joseph Long and Hazel May Henderson Long in Portland, Ct. The first born of three daughters, she attended schools in Portland, and was proud to be a Portland Highlander, fondly recalling the black and red school colors in her last days.

Sue worked for Colt Firearms in Hartford for much of her life. Later in life she became a Certified Nurse's Aide and cared for the elderly in their homes. She also volunteered, often, to care for her nieces and nephews. Sue was best known for her ever present sense of humor, joy of life, and incredible generosity. She loved deeply, and was always there for her family and friends, with a kind heart and unconditional love.

She was a wonderful sister, trusted friend, and the most amazing Aunt. She adored her nieces, nephews, great -nephews, and great nieces. Wherever Aunt Sue was, the kids were by her side. She also loved Sebastian, her pet parrot, who liked to scream loudly whenever she called you on the phone.

Sue is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Rogers of Haddam, Ct. Claire Davis of Branford, Ct; brothers-in - law John Rogers and Jeffrey Davis; nephew, Ryan Rogers of Baltimore, MD; nieces Jennifer Rogers Roth of Haddam Neck, Ct. and Nicole Ragland of Thompson's Station, TN; and their husbands, Scott Roth and Zachary Ragland; great-nephews Connor and Hunter Roth of Haddam Neck, Ct; and Ryder Ragland of Thompson's Station, TN; a great niece, Evalyn Ragland of Thompson's Station, TN; and dear friend, Brian Hasselman of Glastonbury, Ct.. She is also survived by a multitude of the Long and Henderson family cousins, and many friends she dearly loved.

Suzanne died peacefully, following a short illness, on the Hospice Unit of Middlesex Hospital, surrounded by family, and cared for by the amazing Hospice Team. In gratitude for the care she was given by Middlesex Hospital, Sue has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the Middlesex Hospital Development Fund. A life well lived and well loved, she showed such great courage in her final days. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday ( April 10 ) at 10 am in St. Mary Church, Portland. Burial will be in the family plot in Center Cemetery, Portland, at a later date.