Patricia 'Trish' Anne Long (24 Sep 1944 - 26 Jul 2024)

In loving memory of Patricia 'Trish' Anne Long who sadly passed away on 26th July 2024.

We are here today to honour the life of a truly remarkable woman—my mum. As I stand before you, it is difficult to find the words that fully capture the essence of who she was and what she meant to each of us. She was a mother, a grandma or glam ma depending on circumstance, a sister, a friend, an aunt, a long haired general by some and so much more. But to me, she was simply mum, the person who loved me unconditionally and taught me the true meaning of love, compassion, and strength.

Trish was a woman of grace and dignity, someone who carried herself with quiet strength. She faced the challenges of life with unwavering courage, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her kindness knew no bounds, and her generosity of spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world when she spoke to you, and in those moments, you were.

She was the heart of our family, the glue that held us all together. Her love was the foundation upon which we built our lives, and her guidance was the compass that led us through the storms, especially when we lost my dad Jim, and even more so when my sister Ciara passed. She was always there with a listening ear, a comforting word, a glass or three of wine, or a warm hug when we needed it most. Her wisdom was unparalleled, and she had a way of offering advice that was gentle yet profound, always knowing exactly what to say to lift our spirits.

Mum had a deep and abiding love for life. She found joy in the simple things— a beautiful sunset, the laughter of her grandchildren, or time shared with family and friends. She taught us to appreciate these moments, to find beauty in the everyday, and to be grateful for the love that surrounds us. Her presence made our lives richer, fuller, and infinitely more beautiful.

Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. We will carry her memory with us always, in the lessons she taught us, in the love she showed us, and in the countless ways she touched our lives. As we say goodbye today, let us not dwell on the sadness of her passing, but instead, celebrate the incredible life she lived—a life filled with love, laughter, and boundless generosity. The best of everything.

Mum, thank you for everything. Thank you for your love, your wisdom, and your strength. Thank you for being the guiding light in our lives. We will miss you every day, but we know that you are at peace now, with dad and Ciara, watching over us with the same love and care you always did. Rest in peace, Mum, until we meet again. We love you more than words can express.