Elsie Leona Long

Elsie Leona Long died peacefully last Thursday morning of natural causes. Elsie was born on January 5, 1914 in Madison, Wisconsin to Grace and Julius Berkan. She attended the School of Music at the University of Wisconsin. She shared her talent and her love of music with others by becoming a piano teacher at the Wisconsin School of Music. Elsie married John Fred Long on June 5, 1937 and resided in Madison until retiring from teaching in 1971. Wanting to be closer to family, the couple moved to Woodland Park, Colorado and then on to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1977. During her retirement years, she became even more active-developing a love for swimming and cross-country skiing. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Magic Valley Memorial Hospital and the Twin Falls Senior Center. Elsie is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her sister Jean Fisher of Madison, Wisconsin. She is survived by her daughter, Faye (Bob) Maxwell of Twin Falls and grandson, Shane Milward of Boise. Elsie's family wishes to thank the compassionate, dedicated staff of Woodstone Assisted Living and Hospice Visions. Her cremation is under the direction of White Mortuary. To share a memory of Elsie or offer condolences to Elsie's family please visit www.whitemortuary.com Elsie requested that no services be held-instead her family encourages well-wishers to read and reflect on one of her favorite poems by Laura Blakely: Welcome Home When I am gone, release me, and let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears; be happy that we had so many beautiful years. I gave you my love and you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love that you that you have shown, but now it is time for me to travel alone. So, grieve awhile for me, if you must, then let your grief be comforted by your trust.
It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for you see life goes on, so if you need me, just call and I will come. Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all may love around you, so soft and clear. An then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, "Welcome Home".