Irene E. Long

As the birds began to sing in the early morning hours of July 18, 2022, Irene E. Long, surrounded by her children, peacefully transitioned to be with her family in heaven.

Irene was a remarkable, always positive woman who truly loved her life on this earth. She was born in her grandmother’s home in NYC on April 30,1925 to Thomas and Ruth Galvin. She grew up in Elmhurst, NY, graduating from Newtown High School, then attended secretarial school. Soon after she worked as a telephone operator for an insurance company in Manhattan.

She enjoyed playing the fife in a Drum and Bugle Corp where she met the love of her life Alfred E. Long. A few years later they were married and shortly after moved to Uniondale, Long Island where they raised their three wonderful children: Karen Governanti (Daniel) of Ithaca, NY; Janice Beekman (Jeffrey) of Bethel CT; and James (Janet Reswick Long) of Moylan, PA.

Alfred predeceased Irene in 1980. Irene’s courage and strength helped her forge a new life for herself and she moved to Snug Harbor, Amityville in 1980.  While there she worked for many years for Fortunoff in sales and customer service. In 1995 she relocated to Heritage Village of Southbury to retire. In 2017 she moved to Ithaca N.Y., where she spent her final four and a half years.

In addition to being a loving and supportive wife and mother, Irene was active in her community such as, the North Merrick Fire Dept which she and Al were members.  She was an avid reader, regularly played bridge and canasta, and enjoyed hiking, gardening and movie going. In Southbury she volunteered at the Southbury Training School and as a Condo Rep at Heritage Village.   She traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe, and the Caribbean early in her life with her husband, and then continued traveling with the many friends she amassed over the years.

Irene’s sense of humor kept her family, friends, and even her caregivers at Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center entertained with her many memories and enjoyable stories. She was an outstanding cook and at 97 could still remember many of her recipes (all of which have all been written down for future generations to enjoy)!

Irene was blessed with four grandchildren: Matthew Governanti (Lien) of Upland CA, Christopher Governanti of Binghamton, NY, David Governanti (Carolyn) of Devon, PA, and Daniel Long of Oceanside, CA; as well as three great-grandchildren: Madilyn and Nicolas (children of Matthew and Lien), and Sadie (daughter of David and Carolyn). They were the true loves of her life and she adored them all…never forgetting to send them cards for every occasion, with a $5 bill always tucked in!

Irene was such a rare gift to this world. She brought a sense of style and a flair to everything she touched, and her laugh was as big as her heart. All who had the opportunity to know her felt blessed.

We are forever grateful for the care and compassion that the staff of Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 2nd floor provided our mother and our family.

Irene’s burial will be private at Holy Rood Cemetery on Long Island at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to a charity of your choice.