Jeanne Long Obituary

LONG
JEANNE W.
LONG
January 18, 1927
February 8, 2023

Jeanne W Long was a remarkable lady. She was born in Bridgeton, NJ. As a young woman she worked in the New Jersey garment district, managed the historic restaurant, Ye Olde Centerton Inn (NJ), worked with the Thomas Photography Studio (NJ), modeled furs, and participated in the finals of the Miss Philadelphia and Miss New Jersey beauty pageants. She studied voice and drama at Temple University and directed theatre for the Clef and Curtain Little Theatre in Bridgeton, NJ, for 15 years and at Rutgers University for 2 years.Jeanne then moved to Colorado Springs and became the manager-buyer for the Air Force Academy Gift Shop turning the store into one of the most successful souvenir businesses in the country. She retired after 29 years with the Athletic Association.In the 70's Jeanne became re-acquainted with music, especially jazz. She followed jazz festivals and events throughout the country and served on the board of the American Federation of Jazz. She was a charter member of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society and the Broadmoor Jazz Club.Jeanne was offered the opportunity to host a radio show segment on KCMN and KCBR and eventually the internet known as "The Grown-up on the Go". For 20 years, she weekly shared music and art events occurring on the Front Range.While losing her sight to Macular Degeneration, Jeanne provided monthly lessons and hints for living with low vision she called "Inn-Sight".She thoroughly enjoyed joining her Red Hat Society ladies and their monthly gatherings.Jeanne supported the City Auditorium "Sack Lunch Serenade", often organizing busloads of attendees to join in. In the auditorium, her name is on the Lon Chaney little theater chair right next to Mr. Chaney's chair.Jeanne was often seen throughout town in her sparkly visor and unending smile. Her thoughts on aging: "Never give up when you meet a challenge. Put a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eye, a song in your heart and wear your wrinkles as a badge of courage."Jeanne is survived by her heart daughter, Pam Davis (Ron); her cousins Elizabeth B. Batista (Sergio) and Jim Yancoskie (Pam); and many friends in her large adopted family. A celebration of life will be held at Stargazers Event Center, March 23rd, 3-5pm.