Patricia L. Long

Our determined Mother, Patricia, “Patty” Long, died on her 92nd birthday, March 31, 2026 after a well fought battle against the expiration date of her manufacturer’s part’s warranty.

She raised three children, Mike, Pam (Don) and Dan (Karlen), in a modest home where you always had to be home at 5:00 for dinner and being late was not tolerated. She took pride in never needing a dishwasher because she said she already had three. She was a teacher of life. Even if you didn’t agree with her viewpoint, it broadened your own. Mom was married for 53 years to our dad, Doug, who preceded her in death. As a grandmother to “Dougo” (Emily), Alicia (Adam), Daniel and Parker, she was a fun and active Grandma. That instinctive love intensified with the birth of her four great grandchildren, James, Mackenzie, Eleanor and Henry. Their enduring nick names for her, of “Shuffle”, “Granny” and “Cat Lady” are a testament to her own silliness.

Much to our head shaking and laughable disapproval, Werther’s candy and a package of Ritz Crackers qualified as lunch for her. She was known to break life rules… sneaking candy to the kids or sending them home with a goldfish without permission or putting them on a plastic winter sled, unsecured, being pulled by the family dog. She plead her way out of many a speeding ticket by flashing a cop card picture of her K-9 Grand-dogs to the officers when presenting her license. She loved coffee, cigarettes and getting us kids off to school so she could indulge in these vices with the neighborhood moms. Sporting the purple canvas apron with a Hallmark Nametag she worked until she was 87, as an independent greeting card stock person. She got herself a job when Doug retired! She would use her “fun money” to visit casinos on a regular basis. She is so well recognized at Mystic Lake, they greeted her by name before she even shows her ID for friendly food comps. She loved the thrill of a win. Whether it was a jackpot, a scratch-off, the Wild or Vikings, she soared when victory was at hand! She put on many miles while spectating at her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids sporting events.

She was surrounded by many of us as she drifted from this earthly life into heaven. She was cared for, loved and will long be remembered by many in her life. Hope there is a casino with unending winners awaiting you, Mom! 

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Thursday, April 9 at The Church of St. Agnes, 548 Lafond Ave., St. Paul with visitation from 9:30 - 10:30 AM.  Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery for the family.