Linda Long

Our most beloved and adored Linda Becker Long, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 2nd, at her home in New York City surrounded by her family as the late day sun streamed down on her always beautiful face.

Linda was equal parts sunshine, summer fireworks, and the magic of Christmas morning. She always wore a smile and always made every day better for anyone she came in contact with. Linda made everyone feel special – because she truly believed everyone was. Her circle of friends was wider than a galaxy of stars and she loved every single one.

Obviously, she was an unmitigated beauty – but her truest beauty was what resonated from within. She never held a grudge or had a harsh word for anyone.

Linda was born on March 20, 1944, in Jersey City, NJ – to the effervescent Arlene Feeney and the handsome Bill Mundt – her father would soon tragically lose his life as a pilot in World War II when Linda was just a baby.

Arlene would eventually go on to marry the wonderful Al Becker – who adopted and raised Linda with love and devotion, in Montclair, NJ. And the union would also create not only a little sister for Linda, but a forever best friend in Nancy (Livell).

For the last 52 years, Linda has lived and loved alongside her husband and soulmate, Steve. Their epic love story began with an engagement ring hidden inside a cracker jack box - and would go on to include a lifetime of laughter and adventures around the world including living in Puerto Rico, Panama, The Philippines and Hong Kong. Their commitment was built on trust, devotion and of course the deepest and most abiding love.

She was as perfect a mother as there ever was. Because of Linda, her children, Jennie (48) and Stephen (47), say they have virtually no bad memories of their childhood. They always knew they could get through anything with their Mom on their side.

Beyond her husband and two children, Linda would say her two grandchildren, Sophia (15), and Serena (11), were her biggest joy. And they would say she is theirs. Linda made every day with her grandchildren a magical event.

Linda loved watching the osprey nest at their home in Quonochontaug, Rhode Island, taking the bus around Manhattan, watching the boats sail down the intracoastal in Delray Beach, Florida, but mostly she loved being with her family, just sitting around the dinner table, laughing and sharing what went on in the day. Now that really was her heaven.

Linda is survived by her husband, Steve, of New York City; daughter Jennifer Long also of New York City; son Stephen Long, Jr. and daughter-in-law Shannon Long of Bradford, Rhode Island; grandchildren, Sophia and Serena; sister Nancy Livell and brother-in-law Steve Livell of Charleston, South Carolina; Sister-in-law Susan Long of Williamsburg, Virginia; Sister-in-law Carol Long of Salem, Oregon; and a myriad of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A private family service was held on April 3rd.

A memorial to celebrate Linda’s magnificent life will be held on June 3rd at 4pm at the Frank E. Campbell’s Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, New York, New York.

In lieu of flowers, Linda’s family humbly asks that you make a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.