Obituary of Midge Long

Mildred E. Long, affectionately known as Midge, passed away at her home in Tuscarora on Sunday, March 19, 2023 age the age of 100 years. Born in Greenwood, NY on September 19, 1922, Midge was the daughter of the late Clair and Agnes Dennison Updyke. Her mother died when Midge was very young and she was raised by her father and her loving step mother, Pearl. Midge grew up in Greenwood, Woodhull and later Addison where she was a graduate of Addison Central School. On October 13, 1941, she married Francis Long who survives. They were blessed with a marriage of over 81 years and for most of their life together, they resided in the same home in Tuscarora. As a teenager, Midge valued learning enough to arrange an early morning ride with the postman to travel from Woodhull to Addison to complete her high school education. As a young mother she learned to garden and preserve the bounty through canning. Later in life she decided to learn to quilt and made several pieces that are treasures to her family. As a young mother of seven children, but without a driver’s license, she took advantage of the bus provided by a local church to take her children to Sunday School. There, she came to know and love the Lord. She was a member of the Freeman Fire Department Auxiliary for many years and helped with food preparation for many fund-raising events. Midge was employed for many years as a baker in the cafeteria in the Addison High School. She retired in 1980. Former students who recognized her decades later would ask if she still made the chocolate wacky cake with peanut butter frosting or the apple crisp that they loved. Midge was a woman of character. She was hard-working, patient, and very kind to everyone. She was a loving and loyal friend. She loved her family deeply and went without so she could give to them. She treasured time with them and loved having them gather at her kitchen table. Her home was opened to many, including neighborhood children. In recent years, children would come to visit knowing Mrs. Long would listen to their stories and offer one of her home-made cookies. Following their retirements, Midge and Franny wintered in Webster, Florida for nearly 40 years. They attended the Webster Baptist Church. While in New York in the warmer months, they attended numerous protestant churches throughout Tuscarora. Midge loved to sing in the church choirs, work in the kitchens, and help with Vacation Bible Schools at these churches. She loved children and often financially supported children going to summer Bible camps. Midge was surprised that she lived to be 100 years old. People were in disbelief when they learned her age because she was so full of life and spirit. When asked her secret to long life she would often reply that she wasn’t sure but that the years had gone by very quickly. Surviving is her husband, Francis Long of Tuscarora, her children and their spouses, Janet Arnold of Addison, Charlotte and Dan Corcoran of Elmira, Marlene and Steve Rebhan of Brooksville, FL, Ronald and Theresa Long of Dundee, Linda Long and Robert Kern of Beaver Dams, Ray and Hope Anne Long of Bath and Randy Long of Addison. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Midge is preceded in death by her grandson Todd Crane, her son-in-law, Ronald Arnold and her siblings, Robert Updyke, Owen Updyke, Francis Updyke and Leona Kincade. A private celebration of life will be held at the family’s convenience with burial in Addison Hill Cemetery, Tuscarora. To honor Midge, please consider memorial donations to support children’s programs at either Webster Baptist Church, Webster, Florida or Tuscarora Baptist Church, Addison, NY. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull, NY.