Rosemarie Long

Rosemarie Long, a longtime resident of Syracuse, passed away in the loving care of her family in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022 at Lutheran Life Village, Kendallville. She was 91 years old.

Born May 16, 1931 in Fowler, “Rosie,” as many knew her, was the daughter of the late Med H. and Edna S. (Lord) Patnaude. She was a graduate of Fowler High School and went on to attend the South Bend College of Commerce. She was married to Howard E. Long, Jr., who most knew as “Red.” Red and Rosie spent many happy years together before his passing on April 28, 2003 — 13 days after their 52nd anniversary.

Having learned the value of hard work at an early age, Rosie spent many years working at Ace Pest Control — she managed the office, HR concerns and served in several positions including secretary, controller and vice president. In their younger years, she and Red were owner/operators of the former Indiana Suburban Insurance agency.

Rosie enjoyed gardening and loved flowers; she always had fresh flowers in the family home. She also enjoyed traveling and knitting — giving her projects away as gifts or donating them. She canned, baked, read and did puzzles but she loved to cook. Rosie was always trying new recipes. No meal was complete in her kitchen without dessert!

A good listener with quiet strength, Rosie loved her family dearly. She loved the Lord and was a longtime member of St Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Syracuse where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4. Interment will take place following cremation at Syracuse Cemetery. A memorial service is in the planning stages for the Spring.

In addition to her husband, Red, those who preceded Rosie in passing include a brother, Howard Patnaude; daughter-in-law, Sharadene “Sheree” Long; and sister-in-law, Beulah Patnaude. Those who survive with memories to cherish include four children: daughters, Sheryl (Gerald) Cappert of Middlebury, Valerie Shipley of Syracuse and Angela (Tony Fowler) Long of Greenfield and son, Greg Long of Syracuse; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and a brother, Raymond Patnaude.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services is entrusted with care of the Long family. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com while memorial gifts may be directed to Lutheran Life Villages of Kendallville with “Diamond Ave” in the memo line.