Obituaries

Cynthia S. Long, 58

Cynthia S. Long, 58, of Lancaster, went home to be with her loving Lord after a brief and sudden illness on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Lancaster Regional Hospital. She was born in Lewistown on July 9, 1952 to the late Charles and Sarah (Miller) Lynch.

Cynthia is survived by her loving and faithful husband, Michael J. Long. They would have celebrated 33 years of marriage today, February 18, 2011.

Cynthia graduated from Lewistown High School and Empire Beauty School. She was a licensed Cosmetologist in PA.

Her professional career began with Rene Beauty.  She purchased the salon Abode of Beauty on Ranck Mill Rd. and operated it from 1972-1979. After selling her salon she became a homemaker for her 4 children. Cynthia also assisted her husband in operating the family business, Long’s Horseradish.

Cynthia will be remembered for her complete devotion to her family, friends, faith, and her Savior, Jesus. If she wasn’t cutting someone’s hair, carrying on a conversation, praying, singing, laughing, leading a Bible study, working out at the gym, playing her monthly bunco and pinochle games, or enjoying a week at the beach with family or friends, then she could often be seen at the Lancaster Central Market at the Family Horseradish stand. Cynthia also ushered at the Fulton Theater.

She was an active member of the Lancaster Alliance Church where she was involved with the Women’s Missionary Prayer Fellowship, Change of Pace Bible Studies, and the church choir. She was associated with the American Home Life and New Oasis Ministries, which are organizations that host international students. Cynthia and her family hosted more than a dozen students. She produced a ministry presentation of Raggedy Ann and Andy to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Cynthia fulfilled one of her many dreams of a mission trip to Burkina Faso, West Africa at the Dorcas House for girls.

Surviving in addition to her husband Michael, two sons, Andrew Long, husband of Sonya, of Denver, CO, Nathan Long, husband of Sarah, of Lancaster, two daughters, Abbie Long, of Lancaster, and Emily Long, of Lancaster, two grandchildren, Silas and Emilia, three sisters, Carol Bigler, wife of Lew, Barbara Aumiller, wife of Ike, Dottie Kenepp, wife of Richard, four brothers, Charles Lynch, husband of Peg, Larry Lynch, husband of, Gayle, Timothy Lynch, husband of Janna, Daniel Lynch, husband of Linda, and many nieces and nephews.

Cynthia’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the Lancaster Alliance Church 210 Pitney Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 at 2pm with The Rev. Carl S. McGarvey and Rev. Steve C. Fafel officiating. A viewing will take place at the church on Saturday from 11:30am-2pm. Interment will be in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cynthia Long Memorial Missions Fund c/o Lancaster Alliance Church 210 Pitney Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 www.lancastercma.org expressing Cynthia’s love for overseas missions, or to Faith Friendship Ministries, Inc. 128 West Main St. PO Box 567 Mountville, PA 17554.To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-872-5041

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We will always remember Cindy for her giving heart, warm smile, energizing personality and honorable character.  Her devotion to our Lord and to her family is a model worth following.  She will be missed by so many, yet, with you, we will celebrate her life here and now her eternity with Jesus.  An eternity of joy, peace and a love beyond anything we can express.  Please know we are praying for you- Mike, Andy, Abbie, Nate, Emily, and all the other family impacted by this earthly loss and Heavenly gain.

Nathan, Abby, and Emily-
I just found out from my sister Jean about the passing of your precious Mom. You all know that she is happier now then she could ever be in Heaven with Jesus but that doesn’t make it easier for those who are left behind to miss her as you undoubtedly will. I remember singing with her at Change of Pace and at New Danville Mennonite School for a Christmas Program when we did the Play and I was the old lady who ran the Home for Orphans. I have such good memories of those days and the close friendship I had with you, Abbie, was a tribute to the Mother that you had— as she brought you up to be such an amazingly fine young lady who so resembled herself- she had a warm, tender and caring heart and she will be missed so much in the days ahead. When the missing becomes too much try to remember her as she would want you to- as gloriously happy with her Saviour and longing for the time when you will all be together again. I love you.
Mrs. Groff (Deb)

Dear Michael & family,
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of my dear friend, Cindy.  I am so glad that God brought us to Lancaster to reconnect this past Fall after many years of living so far apart.  It was great spending time with you both and reflecting on old times for she and I.  I know there is a wonderful celebration in Heaven and she will certainly keep the humor alive there until one day we see her again.  Our heartfelt sympathy is with you and your family.  So sorry we got the news too late to join you in her Life Celebration. 
Love,
Cathy & Gerald Naugle

Dear Michael and Family,

We were so sorry to hear about Cindy’s sudden death. She was a marvelous person and obviously loved the Lord with all her heart, soul and mind. Her cheerful, outgoing personality was a wonderful testimony to all who knew her. We know she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. May God’s comfort and strength be yours.

In Him,
Glenn and Darlene Creveling

Michael and family: 
I met Cindy at Planet Fitness nearly a year ago.  She and I often worked out side-by-side on the elliptical machines.  We found we had many mutual friends in common, such as Vicki Fafel and Cynthia Haughery.  I was shocked to hear the news from Cynthia this morning at church. Please accept my deepest sympathy.  Reading about her life in the paper only confirmed in my heart the many conversations we had at the gym.  Cindy loved you all so very much and spoke of you many times.  I remember especially her excitement as she told me in December about her upcoming trip to Colorado!  I am saddened to think I won’t ever be able to talk again with her while working out, but grateful our precious Savior will grant us eternity together! I just finished praying for you all and trust that the Holy Spirit would grant you deep and continued peace throughout your grief. 

Sophia C. Schwarz

Dear Family of Cynthia Long,

We send our sincerest condolences to you all.  Cynthia will be missed deeply.  She made a wonderful contribution to the lives of many.  I will miss seeing and hearing her singing in choir at Bible Study. God’s blessings to all of you.

Annie & Mitchell Huber

Mr. Long, Andrew, Abbie, Nathan, and Emily,

We were so incredibly saddened by the news.  Your wife and mother was a woman who could not ever be adequately described by mere words.  Her spirit was refreshing and energizing to everyone who came in contact with her.  I remember her consistent kindness to me as a child/young adult and am so very thankful to have had her influence in my life at such a formative stage.  Please know that we mourn with you and will pray for your healing.

Love always,
Katina (Waldon) and Ryan Austin

Dear Mike, Andrew, Abby, Nathan and Emily,
  While there are few words that can ease your grief during this time, allow me to offer my condolences and heartfelt prayers to your family.  There is too much to be said for just this small space of the memories I have with your family, and especially Cindy.  Not many people can say they have maintained strong friendships for more than 30 years, but Cindy and my mom have done just that, and have demonstrated what true sisterhood is in the Lord.  Besides the countless number of haircuts my family has had at your house, and the large quantities of Long’s horseradish we have eaten over the years (it was one of few things I brought from "home" when we moved to Tanzania), I will always remember the 40th birthday party Cindy planned for my mom at our house on Beverly Drive. Not many people get to have Raggedy Ann at their party!  Cindy was such a rock and support to our family when my dad died in 1993. She helped us laugh, kept us company, and hugged us when there were no words to be said.  And now, I can only offer my love and prayers to your family, and to be just one more person whose life has been touched by Cindy’s.  I was so happy to hear that Cindy went to W. Africa last year to fulfill her dream of missions. Her support and prayers for missionaries throughout the years was a testimony and encouragement to us all.  I pray that you will feel the peace that passes all understanding during these difficult days.

With much love,
Tiffanee Dimitris-Wright
Dodoma, Tanzania

Dear Longs!
I can’t believe that Cindy has passed away, words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. I will be praying for you all in the weeks and months that lie ahead. I know how close you are as a family and how Cindy was at the centre of all that, I will never forget how kind Cindy was to me when I was staying with you for Sarah and Nate’s wedding, she was so easy to talk to and a fun and amazing person to be around. Take heart that you had a wonderful wife and mother who loved the Lord and is now in heaven walking with her Lord. I will pray that through God’s grace you can deal with the loss you are now faced with. Take care.

Lots of love and prayers
Kathryn N. Ireland

To Mike Long and his family: I was so sorry to hear of Cynthia’s sudden death. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Long family
Pam (Garrett) Young
LCHS Class of 1970

Dear Mike: Scott and I are shocked and deeply saddened to read of Cindy’s unexpected death. Our hearts are heavy and filled with sorrow for you and your family. We realize the inadequacy of words at this time, but will keep you in our prayers for God to ease your grief and bless you with beautiful memories of your shared lives.
Respectfully, we send our kindest thoughts and deepest sympathy.
Cathy Ketterman

Dear Long Family,

It is hard to understand why those we love are taken from us, but I know you are a family strong in faith and will find comfort knowing Cindy is resting in the arms of Jesus.

Cindy was a beautiful woman full of love and tenderness.  The love she showed our family touched my heart. I know the days ahead without her will be hard for your family.  I know they will be hard for my Aunt Pat.

When your heart aches for her, your happy memories will get you through the dark hours, remember God is with you each step of the way.  We will be there for you too.  God bless all of you.  I send hugs and love from Charlotte, NC

Much Love,
Deb Hanson (Pat Beyers’ niece)

Mike & family:
So Sorry to hear of your loss.  Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your friends from Ocean City MD
Lauren & Harry Hampton

Mike,
This must be devastating for you and your family. I am deeply saddened by this news…

Your friend from Market,
Terry L Jacobs

Mike,
We are so sorry to learn of Cindy’s death. It came as quite a shock. We do want you to know that you are all in our prayers for the different emotions and challenges that you are facing and will face in the next weeks and months. We know that the Holy Spirit Comfort will be yours, but please also know of our availability to minister in whatever way you may need.
Encouragement to All,
Dave and Nancy Craig

Dear Mike, Andrew, Nate, Abbie, Emilie and the rest of the family,

I have been a tenant in one of your apartments in Mountville for almost sixteen years.  Cindy was the first one in your family that I was to meet and from that first meeting she was one of the funniest, kindest most caring people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I have been so lucky to have landlords who take such great care of my home and shown such caring to me and my family as well.  They have helped me countless times over the years such as assistance in caring for plants in the garden, promptly fixing plumbing mishaps, working out ways to pay my rent when I was in financial difficulty, having a wonderful supply of mustard, horseradish and ham glaze to share with my family on holidays, taking the trash cans down to the curb EVERY Thursday and so much more.  Cindy always had a smile and encouraging word when I saw her here visiting Mike at the garage or if I ran into her around town.  Mike and Cindy both radiated such happiness, trust and faith in each other, a truly inspiring example of life partnership and marriage in these times.  I got to see what wonderful parents Mike and Cindy were by meeting each of their children in the many, many times they were here helping their father maintain the property or working in the family business.  Nate and his beautiful wife Sarah were even my upstairs neighbors for the first year of marriage.  It has been a honor to know all of you.  I will miss Cindy and the incredible security in knowing she was but a phone call way if ever needed something.  From all of the posts I’ve read here, many others benefited from such comfort as well.  My heart goes out to all of you for your loss.  I find comfort in knowing that Cindy had such faith in an everlasting life with her Lord and did such an incredible job creating a family that love and support each other now and in the future.

With deepest sympathy,
Kristin Sullivan

Abbie,
I just wanted to know that you have been on my heart and in my prayers since yesterday afternoon.  I was walking through Central Market when I saw the news about your mom.  I am so sorry and can’t imagine the agony you are experiencing.  My prayer is that the God of all comfort will comfort you in your time of need. 

May you know His presence like never before,
Mandi Wissler

Mike, I was totally floored to hear of Cindy’s passing.  Please accept my condolences and know that you and the kids are in my prayers. As I was remembering back to the old Millersville days, I couldn’t help but think of what a fun and energetic wife you had!  I would have to say that she probably jammed at least two lifetimes worth of stuff into these short years.  She probably impacted more people than most ever could or will.  I’ll always remember her too as having one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard.  God bless you Mike in your time of grieving.  If there is ever anything I can do for you please let me know…I’m only two hours away.  Please extend my sympathy to your kids.  Unfortunately, I’m out of town and won’t be able to attend the service, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.  the soprano section in Heaven just go a lot better!!  Love you bro.

Mikel Waldon

To my family in Lancaster In body I can’t be there but I am in spirit and in prayer for all of you. I loved Cindy like a sister and she was a very close and best friend to me
My GG2 is now singing with her lovely voice to God and all his angels. I will miss her  a heck of a whole lot.
 We had some very fun times together as we got to know one other when I live near by and threw are long and late phone calls. It hard to know I can’t phone and spend hours speak to her but also know that I can still speak with her for she will always be in my heart. My love goes out to all her family  Mike, Abbie, Emilly (Conchi)Andrew and Nathan I love your mom and will never forget her kindness to me and her silliness and laughter. I will be praying for all of you.

Norma

I was so saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing! I always enjoyed going to Mrs. Long’s house to get my hair cut as a little girl – she always made me laugh!  I am happy that she is signing praises with her Heavenly Father right now, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family left behind!

Beth Dommel

I was so saddened to hear of Cindy’s homecoming.  She was a very special lady and always had a smile and kind word while our children were at New Danville School.  I am very much praying for the family in this time of loss.
God bless you and keep you,
Rosemary Rose

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. She will always be remembered and greatly missed. It was a blessing to have her the short time we did. Her smiling face will always be in our memory. She was a great caregiver of my sister Kathy and my self when we were children. You are in our thoughts and prayers.So sorry we could not attend her celebration of Life.

     Sincerely
Allen and Betty Miller

I am saddened by Cyndi’s passing.  I remember Cyndi as one of my great encouragers in the early years of my walk with the Lord.  She has had an eternal impact in my life and the lives of so many others.
Mike, Andrew, Nathan, Sarah, Abby, and Emily; our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve for your loss.

Mark and  Deb Dommel

Dearest Mike, Andrew, Abbie, Nathan, Emily and family…

Words can never express the shock and sorrow I felt at hearing of Cindy’s illness and death. I know she is with her Lord.  She was such a marvelous friend, always there with a laugh or a tear when needed. She loved her husband, her family, her friends and her church, but most of all she loved her Lord! Would that be said about me when my time comes.  I will miss her crazy sense of humor!  You all will always be in my heart forever!

Love,
Kathy Pyle

Dear Michael and family.
We are so saddened to hear that God called Cindy to heaven so suddenly.
Our hearts weep with you and the great loss she will be to your family and to all who knew her.   Her incredible cheerful and loving spirit is a legacy to all of us who knew her.
You all are in our prayers and thoughts. We would love to attend the service on Saturday, but we are out of town.  So please know we are thinking of you and praying for God’s comfort for all of you.
Does Jesus care when we’ve said good-bye
to the dearest on earth to us….
O yes He cares…. His heart is touched with our grief.

Friends who care
John and Ethel Stoner

I AM VERY SORRY FOR THE LOST OF CYNTHIA. I DIDN’T KNOW HER WELL BUT WHEN I WAS IN DESPERATE NEED OF AN APARTMENT SHE HELP ME!AND JUST MEETING HER THAT ONCE I KNOW SHE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON!SHE IS IN GOD HANDS NOW AND A BETTER PLACE.MIKE AND FAMILY U HAVE MY CONDOLENCES AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL!

YOUR TENANT FELISSA.

Hello, Long family. You don’t know me. Actually, Nathan might remember me. I remember him. My name is Jeff Snow. I used to live just across the creek from y’all with my former wife, Karen, and my son Conor. Karen and I divorced about seven years ago. But I was around when we hired Cindy and her friend to clean our home. It was a great decision, as the two of them were “on it like white on rice”. Two great girls…two hard workers. Small consolation, I know. But you need to know that I thought a lot of Cindy. She always made me smile. Her work was impeccable (both of them)!  Here’s the kicker. I just decided in January to get my fat old body back to the gym and, wouldn’t you know it, I ran into Cindy. Your lovely Cindy. She remembered me, my name, everything. That was Cindy! 5, 6 ,7 years later…who remembers?? Didn’t matter. It was like we never skipped a beat. Of course,  I was taken a bit off guard, being the less than sensitive doofus that I am. But I quickly recovered and we became reacquainted like we never even parted ways. My point being, this all makes me very sad. In fact, I’m weeping all over my keyboard right now. Out of shock. Out of love for a clearly beautiful and loving person. Out of sympathy for you guys. Blessings on your family. Godspeed to Cindy. But, heck, she really doesn’t need it, right?! We all know where she is. More important, Godspeed to all the Longs.

Peace.
Jeff Snow 

Abbie,
 Just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time. Your co-workers sympathize with you greatly.

Sylvia

Dear Mike, Andrew, Nathan, Abbie and Emily,
     I cannot begin to express how shocked and saddened I was to hear of Cindy’s passing.  I remember her as a vibrant, funny, energetic and compassionate woman.  When Dennis and I started attending Christian and Missionary Church many years ago, she was one of the first to make us feel welcome.  She invited us over for a wonderful meal followed by games at your house.  I remember the funny songs we used to make up to sing at church parties, the MANY times she cut my hair, and her contagious smile!  She was a wonderful friend, and an exemplary servant of God!
     I had not spoken with her in a long time and lately I thought I should give her a call.  To my regret, life got busy and I never called, and now I won’t have that opportunity.  I don’t know why she was taken so early, but I do know that she was a blessing to every life she touched.  May the memory of her love for others and for God sustain you through this very trying time. 
With love and prayers,
Rosene Dunkle and Dennis Dunkle

Dear Mike, Andrew, Abbie, Nathan and Emily,

My condolences to you on the home going of your beloved wife and mom. I will always remember Cindy as a person full of life with a beautiful smile and laughter.  Mike, you and Cindy displayed Christ’s love for the church and for Cindy’s submission to you.  You both represented Christ well.  I loved to hear Cindy sing in church and at times cutting hair, even mine.  She was a great mom. She gave me the privilege to drive Andrew back and forth to LCS when he was in kindergarten. I was thrilled to see both Cindy and Abbie in a Bible Study that I attended last Spring.  Cindy will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
I have been praying that God will carry each one of you through this difficult time. Hopefully Jesus will return soon and we will all be reunited in the kingdom of God. Much love to each one of you.  May God keep you close and may your comfort come from knowing that Cindy is with the One who is never shaken, the Sovereign and Resurrected Lord.

Sharon Benham

I ran into Cindy Bickel and she told me what happened.  I was so shocked by the news.  We knew Cindy through Trinity EF church when we attended at Pequea Elementary school.  When Gina was born, she made a dinner for us.  Gina will be 13 in June.  My heart goes out to your family.  Abby, I believe Mandy, our oldest daughter was in youth with you.  Prayers are with you all. Cindy has touched many lives and has been such a blessing to others.
With Sympathy,
Gil, Carol and Gina Ebersole and Mandy Boose Cortes

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