Debra Lynn Long

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debra Lynn Long, a beloved and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and aunt. Debra passed away on November 30, 2024, at the age of 66, at Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Colorado, due to complications from surgery and illness. She was surrounded by her husband, son, and daughter, who held her hands during her final moments.

She was born on August 2, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, to Susanna Thomason and Alvy Thomason. She was the oldest of two children, with her brother Steve Thomason. As a young adult, she decided to change her scenery and moved to Colorado with a couple of her friends, making the drive with them in her little Chevrolet Chevette. She began her future in Denver, Colorado, working for McDonald's and Pizza Hut as a manager and living in a small apartment on Tennyson Street. Later, she moved from Thornton to Aurora and eventually settled in Brighton, Colorado, on August 17, 1997, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Debbie was a devoted wife to Frank Long for 39 years, having married on April 13, 1985. They met each other while they both worked for McDonald's. Shortly after, she gave birth to her son, Christopher Adam Long, and her daughter, Amanda Marie Long, both miraculously born on the same day, four years apart in 1985 and 1989. She worked at Altura Elementary School as a beloved Teacher's Assistant and Pera Educator. She loved working with the kids in reading groups, helping them explore creative outlets, and guiding them in art. She was often seen as a second mother to many of the children at the school, and they looked up to her. She was also well known for her fun and colorful earrings. She had just retired from Altura in May 2024 and was looking forward to traveling and spending as much time as possible with her dog, Rusty. She dreamed of visiting Ireland, loved everything green, and was passionate about Celtic and Irish culture.

At home, Debbie loved to read and write. She was an avid reader, with a collection of books that filled multiple bookshelves in many rooms of the house. Her children often laughed at how quickly she would get through books and move on to the next one. She made it a point to journal and write every single day. She looked forward to reflecting on her day and feelings by putting them on paper and often dreamed of writing her own book one day. She was known for her beautiful handwriting and always wrote in cursive. Outside of reading and writing, Debbie had an immense love for crafting and art. You could often find her with a new collection of colored pencils, markers, and especially gel pens. She loved to color, draw, paint, cross-stitch, and had recently started building tiny model rooms. There was no artistic avenue too challenging for her to explore. She always encouraged her children to explore their own creative outlets and was the first to see any new piece of art.

Debbie was an immense support to her family, always the one you could rely on to answer the phone when you needed a shoulder to cry on. She was a great listener, offering advice when needed, letting you cry or yell, or simply sitting in silence with you when you needed company. Many times, she would offer her presence in the form of a comforting hug or as a companion to watch old movies on TCM. She helped distract you with coloring, laughter, or music. Her presence and comfort will be missed terribly.

Any floral donations would be greatly appreciated, as Debbie loved flowers, especially roses. She leaves behind a beautiful rose garden in the front of her home.

She is survived by her husband, son, daughter, brother, three grandchildren, and her dog, Rusty Nugget. She has joined her father, Alvy Thomason, father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Ramona Long, and many beloved pets at the gates of Heaven.

The viewing for Debra Lynn Long will be held on December 13, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral will be held on December 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. Both will take place at Viegut Funeral Home, located at: 1616 North Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO. 80538.