COLCHESTER, Vt. — Arnice Mitchell Long, 75, a long-time resident of Saxtons River and most recently of Colchester, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019 with family at her side. Arnice was born on July 29, 1943 in Burlington, Vermont to Shirley Neveau and adopted soon after by her parents Shirley and Albert Mitchell.
She graduated from Thayer High School (Winchester, New Hampshire) in 1961 and started her career at the Holstein Friesian Association in Brattleboro. She met Joel Long in early 1962 and married later that year. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this coming August.
Arnice walked this earth, touching, changing, guiding and helping many lives along the way. She worked at the Saxtons River Elementary School for over 28 years as the secretary (aka, nurse/guidance and family counselor/chief financial officer/boss lady) until her retirement in 2006. She considered every child, co-worker, and parent that passed through her office as a part of her extended family. In 1984, she started the Winter Sports program at the elementary school, which still continues today. Many children and their families have credited Arnice for the countless hours of outdoor fun in those winter months.
In addition, she was very active in the Saxtons River Community as a member of the Saxtons River Rescue (FAST Squad), the Women’s Fellowship at Christ’s Church, The Saxtons River Nature Club, the Bell Choir of Christ’s Church, and the Grafton Community Band. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader while each of her girls were participants. She served as a mediator with Vermont Chapter of the NEA while working in the Rockingham School District. She was also named as a United Way Hometown Hero.
She had many passions including music, dancing, finding the best bargain ever, traveling and camping throughout the country, but her main passion and focus was her children and grandchildren. Together, she and Joel, never missed any event or activity involving their own children and attended as many of their grandchildren’s concerts, plays, and sporting events as logistically possible.
When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s she faced her future with grace, determination, and a seemingly endless amount of inner strength. Even in the latter stages of the disease, she faced Parkinson’s as a force to be reckoned with.
Arnice is survived by her husband, Joel Clifton Long, of Colchester, Vermont, her three children and their families, Katrina Long Ouellette (Alan) of Stowe, Vermont, Melody Long McWherter (Karl) of Boyertown, Pennsylvania; and Aaron Joel Long (Rebecca), of Parkdale, Oregon. Her grandchildren, Emaline Ouellette, Kelby McWherter, Kalton McWherter, Juno Long, and Luna Long. She is also survived by her half-siblings, Linda Smith of North Carolina, Mark Winslow of South Carolina, Karen Sweet of Sheldon Springs, Vermont, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and biological mother.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Saxtons River Fire and Rescue, PO Box 62, Saxtons River VT, 05154, or the American Parkinson’s Disease Association , Vermont Chapter (APDA, VT chapter), Department of Neurology, 1 South Prospect Street, Arnold 2, Burlington, VT 05401. Arrangements are in the care of Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home.
A Memorial Service will be at Christ’s Church in Saxtons River, Vermont at 1:30 p.m., May 5, 2019.
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