Mary Long Cassidy

Mary was Called to Her Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from her daughter, Eileens home, in Newbury Park, CA, at the age of 95. Born Mary Elizabeth Long in Springfield, MA to John J. Long and Mary Ann (Lynch) Long, on August 7, 1919.

Mary graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1941. She worked for Winchester Repeating Arms, New Haven, CT and as a private duty nurse.

During this time, Mary met a young soldier stationed at Bradley Field. After a short courtship, Mary and Master Sgt. John H. Cassidy of Jersey City, NJ were married in Our Lady of Hope Church, Springfield, MA on January 24, 1946. It is no surprise to the family that, on Valentines Day 2015, after a 20 year wait, her husband would finally be reunited with the love of his life. The couple lived in Springfield and West Springfield, MA, Collingswood, NJ, Westlake, CA, and Voorhees, NJ. John traveled widely for RCA. Mary would accompany him, from Nigeria to Austria to Hawaii,when her duties at home and working for The State of New Jersey at the Addiction Center in Camden allowed.

Marys interests included the study of nutrition and vitamin supplements, alternative medicine and holistic healing. She enjoyed playing the piano, attending concerts and plays. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for herself, her daughters in their early years and, when time permitted, sewed matching coats for their dolls!

A woman of great compassion, Mary was always willing to listen and offer assistance. She was a kind, patient soul, with joy in her heart and a fun-loving twinkle in her eye. She cared deeply about her family and devoted her entire life to caring for them. Mary was a devout Catholic who prayed fervently for the wellbeing of family, friends, and for the intentions of those experiencing difficulty. She found solace in her Faith, living her life by the precept: there are three things that last: Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of these is Love.

Mary and John are survived by four children; twin daughters, Mary Ann of Doylestown, PA, and Joanne Spirito (Bernard) of Wilbraham, MA, Eileen Hartman (Steven) of Newbury Park, CA, and John Jr. (Debbie) of Warrington, PA. She was dedicated to them, her six grandchildren: Brian Benner, Doylestown, PA, Colleen Carr (David), Telford, PA, Kristin Hartman, London, England, Steven Hartman, Pasadena, CA, Tara Hartman, San Diego, CA, and Andrew Spirito, NYC, and a close-knit family consisting of many cherished nieces and nephews. Affectionately known as Cis by her family, she is survived by sister-in-law, Anna Mae Long and sister, Joyce (Lynch) Rougeau (Felix).

Mary was predeceased by her beloved brothers, John J. Long, Jr. (Mary) and Edward M. Long, and second mother Leona Lynch Long.