Dorothy Leigh Long

We mourn the loss of our beloved Dorothy Leigh Long (Dee), who passed on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the age of 79. She is survived by her spouse of 58 loving years, Thomas Long, her children Deborah (Patrick) Shea, Jennifer (Urban) Walker, and Thomas Long, Jr., and her grandchildren J.T. Walker, Marian Walker, Archer Shea, and Parker Shea. She passed peacefully and in good spirits, just minutes after a visit from her beloved Tom and her dog, Maddie. Some of her last spoken words were, “I’ve never been so happy in my life.”

She grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and she and her family spent their summers at Clear Lake. She loved waterskiing, boating, and reading into the wee hours of the night. She worked as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines for 12 years, where she met Tom.

In 1978, Dee and Tom moved to Montrose, to raise their family after previously living in Los Angeles and Denver. She enjoyed family vacations, architecture and home design, and listening to the Rolling Stones (among many other of her favorite musicians). She never gave up on a project she started, and her tenacity was as apparent as her compassionate nature.

Dee enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and often shared fond memories of her life with the people for whom she cared so much. We will never forget her.

We would like to thank the Montage Creek Memory Care staff, as well as Hope West, for their kindness. Dee had been there only four weeks at the time of her passing.

We ask that all who knew her hold their favorite memories of Dee in their hearts. A Celebration of Dee’s beautiful Life will be announced and held at a later date.