Allene Joyce Long's Obituary
Allene Joyce Stolt Long, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, at age 93.
Allene was born November 5,1932, in Harbor Springs, Michigan, to Albert and Ethel Whitaker Stolt. Throughout her life, she was known for her warmth and genuine care for others; her devotion to the students she taught during her 30 years as an elementary school teacher; her deep faith in God; her commitment to protecting the earth and serving her community. Most of all, she was devoted to her family. She loved her children and their children with all her heart. Spending time with them and watching them grow was her greatest joy. As the family grew to include great-grandchildren, that joy grew as well.
Allene attended Alma College, graduating with a degree in social work and teaching. She met Phillip Long when they were both members of Alma’s A Cappella Choir. They married in 1954, a union that endured until his death in 2008.
In 2010, Allene suffered a debilitating stroke. She lost her ability to speak. This was devastating to her, but she maintained the faith and determination with which she faced every challenge. Allene hung on to as much independence as possible through the years since, setting an example of perseverance and grace in the face of adversity. One special blessing for her family was that she never lost her ability to say “I love you”.
Allene will be remembered for many things. She was a leader. She was recognized for her community service by the city of Big Rapids, where she was a founding member of the county recycling center. Allene served the United Church of Big Rapids in many leadership roles, championing social justice projects and mentoring and teaching young people. She was a teacher by nature and by profession; she brought that nurturing spirit to all that she did. She was an advocate. For children, for the underprivileged, for a cleaner planet and a simpler lifestyle, for peace. Allene joined marches and walks to raise awareness of social issues such as climate change and world hunger. She spoke up for what she believed in. She was a reader. She was a homemaker. She participated in mission trips and church retreats from a young age. Allene had a beautiful singing voice, a beautiful laugh, and a beautiful smile. She was a writer of letters, staying in touch with friends near and far. She was the best Nana, an enthusiastic organizer of tea parties and board games and dress-up and creative projects of all kinds. She was a caregiver, lovingly caring for Phil after he was disabled by health issues. Allene loved jigsaw puzzles, popcorn, and ice cream. She enjoyed sewing, baking, and picking cattails and Queen Anne’s Lace from the side of the road. She loved her extended family of many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was interested in the world, in people, in nature, in ideas, in travel. Allene worked hard and prayed often. She wanted to do all she could, and she did.
Allene was preceded in death by her parents and her step-father, Lloyd Fisher; her loving husband, Phil; and her dear brother, Edwin Stolt. She is survived by her beloved children: Chris Long and wife Tricia, Barry Long, Melissa Long and husband Marco Seabra, and Camilla Martin and life partner Matthew Riegler. She is also survived by her precious grandchildren: Tara, Erin, Alicia, Ginny, Nancy, Phillip, Whitaker, Margaret Allene, Arielle, and Anson; and twelve cherished great-grandchildren. Two dear nieces, Sheila Haen and Felicia Norman; and sister-in-law Rosemary Stolt also survive.
Her family will miss her beyond measure. We will be forever blessed by her love and diminished by her loss, but will carry on knowing that she lived every day to the fullest with love, joy and purpose.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of Emmanuel Hospice and the Health Center at Porter Hills in Grand Rapids for their kindness and their care for Allene.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In Allene’s memory, you can sing your favorite hymn, recycle that water bottle, or read to a child. Donations may be made in her name to the Little Traverse Conservancy or the United Church of Big Rapids.
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