Helen (Marge) M. Long (Murphy), 96, born November 23, 1925 in New Haven, CT, daughter to the late Thomas Murphy and Margaret (Gilchrist) Murphy. Helen resided most of her life in East Hartford, CT and most recently at the Glastonbury Health Care Center. Helen passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday 3/18/22. In 1947 she married Thomas Long and together they raised four children, Richard (Sandra) Long, East Hartford, CT, Geraldine (Don) Pinney, Berlin, CT, Robin (Joseph) Petrie, East Hartford, CT, Edward (Deborah) Long, Portland, CT.
Helen (Marge) as she started to refer to herself later in life raised her 4 children in East Hartford while working at Aetna in food service. She was never afraid of hard work. The family lived in the great neighborhood of Primrose Drive/Shady Lane, where she was referred to as the everyone’s mom. Helen’s famous for her onion rings, would have all the kids lined in the driveway awaiting their share.
Helen was also very proud of her Irish heritage. She took several trips to the Isle with very her special friend Joseph (Red) O’Neil. She treasured these trips and the friendships she made and maintained.
Most of all, Helen had a sense of humor. She would talk to anyone, make them feel comfortable, joke with them, make them laugh, reach out a helping hand. That sense of humor is what got her through some rough times in her life. Especially the last few years when she was forced to slow down and spend her final years in Glastonbury Health Care Center.
We would like to thank the Glastonbury Health Care Center for their care of Ma and for putting up with her Shenanigans! A special Thank You to Famah who treated Helen with such love and care.
Marge leaves 9 grandchildren Jeffrey (Nichole) Long, Kimberly Rinehart, Scott (Jamie) Pinney, Jonathan (Diana) Pinney, Kelsey (Christopher) Wilbur, Daniel (Melissa) Petrie, Dennis Petrie, Kyle Long and Allison Long. She is predeceased by Mallory Elyse Long.
Marge also leaves 7 great grandchildren Chase Long, Maia Long, Helena Pinney, Gianna Pinney, Kai Petrie, Ries Petrie and Ella Rinehart.
She was also predeceased by her sister Elizabeth Murphy, and her brothers Francis Murphy and Edward Murphy. In lieu of flowers a donation maybe made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Connecticut Humane Society.
Per Helen’s request the celebration of life will be private.
For further information and to leave a memory or to make a donation in lieu of flowers please visit: Abbey Cremation Service: https://www.abbeycremation.com/
Helen was and will always be my favorite person at Glastonbury health care.
I was her night nurse and this year, her secret santa.
I brought my pug, Charlotte to see her and she always loved it, every minute.
She suggested I could bring a baby gate and leave Charlotte in her room all night.
When I said it was not allowed?
Helen said, " they are not here at night, they will not know."
I loved Helen dearly, and she will be in my heart forever.
I was not alone.
As you know Famah was her best pal, but everyone, loved Helen, she made us laugh, whether pretending to pinch the behind of a state inspector, greeting you wit…