Mary Monica Long, age 81, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 5, 1945, in Loveville, Maryland, to the late George and Mary Payne. She graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1963. She married the love of her life, Richard Elmer Long, at St. Joseph Church. Together, they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage and built an amazing family that Mary cherished beyond words.
Mary lived a life defined by her extraordinary kindness, resilience, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. For many years, she touched the lives of countless local families by providing compassionate childcare services within the community. Demonstrating her lifelong spirit of growth, she enrolled in courses at the local community college at the age of 50. This led to a rewarding career as an administrative assistant at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, from which she proudly retired in 2011.
Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing softball, watching the Washington Nationals, spending time outdoors, birdwatching, and admiring beautiful flowers. She enjoyed playing bingo, listening to good old-fashioned country music, playing cards, and taking memorable trips to the casino to play slot machines. Above all else, she loved spending time with her siblings, in-laws, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her infectious smile and humble spirit brought comfort and joy to everyone who knew her.
Mary’s legacy of love lives on through her surviving family. She is survived by her children, Sherrie Beachy (Darrell) of Mechanicsville, MD; Vickie Banagan (Jeff) of Clements, MD; and Jeff Long (Kristen) of Mechanicsville, MD. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shane Beachy (Kim), Andy Banagan, Jessica Warden (Tyler), Jessica Banagan, Connor Banagan, Kate Long, Nicholas Long, Noah Long, and Anna Long; her great-grandchildren, Aiden Beachy, Zach Maples, Hunter Beachy, Dylan Maples, and Taylor Maples; and her siblings, Jean Woodburn (Francis) of Great Mills, MD, Eddie Payne (Maryann) of Avenue, MD, George Payne (Joan) of Mechanicsville, MD, and Barbara Vallandingham (J.C.) of Avenue, MD.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, George and Mary Payne; her brothers, Blinks and Buck; her cherished son, Richard Long (Jenn); and her loving husband, Richard Long, affectionately known as “The Fuzz.”
Throughout the years, Mary received exceptional care from Stephanie, Luz, and Gurley, whom she considered true members of her family. Their unwavering dedication, loyalty, and love meant the world to her, providing profound comfort and peace throughout her life’s journey.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. in Our Lady of the Wayside, Chaptico, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM. with Rev. Chip Luckett officiating. Interment to follow in Queen if Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to A.C.T.S. (A Community That Shares), P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, MD 20618 and the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.