Marilyn H. Long, 83, a lifelong resident of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born on March 18, 1927, in Hartford, Marilyn inherited her great love of animals from her parents, the late Harry and Lottie (Longley) Long.

She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield. Marilyn attended Bloomfield Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1944 from Bloomfield High School.

She was employed by Drs. William and Alvin MacDonald's veterinary hospital for 20 years, and also worked with doctors Forrest Davis and Robert Milkey of Granby and several years with the nursery school of the First Congregational Church before retiring.

She was a devoted fan of the UConn Huskies Women's Basketball team, was a member and Past Chaplain of Tunxis Grange no. 13, and a member of Farmington Valley Pomona No. 11.

In recent years, Marilyn enjoyed going to the Caring Connection in Windsor. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother, Lt. Col. Robert L. Long, USAF; a sister, Evelyn Bradford; her pet and best friend Daffodil-Merry Makers Golden Honey CD/CDX/UD, and her cats, Grand Champion, Lost Tales Shaina, Lost Tales Lottie Louise, who died of a broken heart, and Miss Martha Stewart.

She is survived by her sisters, Betty Hunter of Canton, Shirley Ellis of Sanford, N.C.; her cat and friend, Bailey; a dear family friend, Millicent Clarke and her family of Hartford; a special niece, Barbara Long and her husband Barbara Bradley of Rockville, Md.; and many other nieces and nephews. Those attending her services were asked to wear bright colored clothing only!