Obituary of Elizabeth E. Long

Elizabeth “Bette” Long (Etgen) passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after a brief illness.

Bette was born on April 24, 1927 on Staten Island to the late Charles Etgen and Elizabeth (Hanley) Etgen. She grew up with her younger brother Charles “Buddy” Etgen, spending their summers in Hubbardton, Vermont with their loving aunts and uncles.

Bette began her nursing career as a Cadet Nurse during World War II. She graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1948 with a degree in nursing. She worked as a nurse for many years before pursuing a dream to be a nursing instructor. Bette retired as nursing instructor from the Lyons VA Hospital in 1986.

In 1949 Bette married the love of her life Bob Long. They began their family on Staten Island. Bette was the proud mother of three children, Bob, Jr., Ric, and Melissa (Beiermeister). The family moved to the Lake Valhalla section of Monville, NJ in 1972 and resided there until retirement. They spent several years in Lakewood, NJ before moving to New Smyrna Beach, Florida permanently. Their time in Florida was a happy time. They made good friends, were active in their community, and enjoyed living oceanside.

Bette remained very active as she aged. She was a regular in her bridge group and had a large social network of friends. Bette loved hosting her children and grandchildren for visits at her Florida home. One favorite pastime was researching her family’s genealogy, which included a trip to Ireland. Bette especially loved her trips to Europe with her husband, Bob and her time spent with family in Vermont. She also enjoyed casino

trips with friends, and watching golf.

Bette found great joy keeping in touch with her 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was proud of their accomplishments and loved listening to and sharing their adventures.

Bette is predeceased by her husband Bob Sr. (1997), her daughter Melissa (Long) Beiermeister (2013), her brother, Bud Etgen (2020) and her grandson’s Rob Long, III (1999) and Stephen Long (2022).

Bette is survived by her son Bob and his wife Barbara of Mount Tabor, NJ, Ric and his wife Lisa Navarrete of Killington, VT, and her son-in-law Bob Beiermeister. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rebecca and her husband Richard Henry, Kevin Long, David and his wife Meghan Long, Kate and her husband Greg Binazeski, Morgan and his wife Lisa Long, Michael and his wife Sarah Emmons, William Emmons, Pegeen Long and her husband Kurt Ladeau, Amie and her husband Jay Hydren, Rose Long, Michelle Long and Robby Beiermeister. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Dominic, Keely, Maysa, Robert, Lara, Joseph, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Skylar, Brayden, Grace, Ella and Emma.

Funeral services will be private. Bette will be buried in Vermont with her husband and two grandchildren.