December 1, 2009
Long, Diana Joy
Diana Joy (Nickerson) Long, a resident of Dover since 1973, died Monday, November 30th, 2009 at her home in Dover, of lung cancer. She was 67. Joy was born June 18, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Henry G., and Laetitia (Orlandini) Nickerson. She grew up in Dedham and was a member of the Class of 1961 at Beaver Country Day School and the Class of 1963 at Garland Junior College. Joy was a life-long member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Dedham, serving on many committees, and at the time of her death she was a Lay Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Vestry, the Altar Guild, the Mission Committee, the Bible Study Group, and the Prayer Shawl Knitting Group. She was also a long-time active member of the Vincent Club of Boston. Joy was an alcoholic who found sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous and over the years helped many others to become sober. She the wife of 47 years of Charles W. Long of Dover; and the mother of George W. Long and his wife Mercedes of Dedham, Nancy N. Davenport and her husband John of Holiday, Florida, and Henry G. Long and his wife Stacey Shen of Cambridge. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher Long, Kassandra Long, Christine Davenport, and Jacqueline Long. Also surviving are her nephew, Michael Minot of Fort Lauderdale, her niece Anita Minot of San Francisco, and her brother-in-law Dr. William M. Wheeler of Chestnut Hill. She was the sister of the late Beatrice Wheeler of Chestnut Hill and the late Charlotte Bishop of Nokomis, Florida. There will be a memorial service in celebration of Joy’s life at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dedham at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 7, 2009. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 59 Court Street, Dedham, MA 02026.
Comments(13)
Mr. Long, Nancy, George and Hank – where do i begin? i loved Ma with all of my heart. she was an amazing woman who opened her heart and her home to me and my family. your family is woven into so many of my memories of growing up — i am blessed to have known her and to have had her in my life. thank you for sharing her with me. my love to all of you ~
Charlie and the family- terribly sorry to hear about Joy’s death and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. As tots, we attended St Paul’s Sunday School together. Joy was my first and favorite dance partner as a 12 year old at Mrs. Browne’s and Miss Southers dancing classes as I think I was the tallest guy and she the tallest gal. We enjoyed so many great and fun times for the following 15 or so years skating on the local ponds, attending all sorts of social and family gatherings, Vincent Club shows, etc, etc. All very fond memories of a lovely, athletic, entertaining, and positive spirited woman. Best wishes to all of you and Joy will be missed, but not forgotten.
Charlie – We are so sorry to hear of Joy’s death. We pray that you and your family will find comfort in your faith, your knowledge of her faith, and most of all in the One in Whom your faith rests, Who is the resurrection and the life. May God’s mercies rest on you all.
Brad & Martha Townley
Charlie,Nancy,George,Hank-the memories of lobster fest and the fun we shared will always be in our hearts and minds….
So sorry to hear of Joy, I have been out of touch so long, but I will always remember her kindness to me when I needed it the most. She was like a second mom to me. Remember her with happiness, as will I. Eileen Howell and Family
GEORGE, VERY SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
Dorothy and Jim Keeney of Boston (formerly of Dover)express their regret at the passing of Charlie’s wife, Joy.
to Nancy And the Joy Family
May Memories comfor you.
Memories keep the one you love close to you in spirt and thought and always in your Heat . Today and Forever thinking of you in this sad time. May it comfort you to know that the lovedone is now at peace.
Kevin Montague
Brian Montague (brother)
We are so sorry to learn of Joy’s passing. She was a bright light and a delight to know. We feel fortunate that the two of us had a chance to chat with her a few weeks ago on the Vineyard. Our sincere wishes, thoughts and prayers to all of Joy’s family in this time of sorrow.
Susan and John Henley
Edgartown
George, Nancy, Henry, (dad)
I am so sorry to hear about your moms passing. May you all remember her smile in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Lori Lannigan Comiskey
Millis Ma
I am very sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. I went to Beaver with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am so sorry to read of Joy’s passing. She was always kind and welcoming to me. I had no seen her for many years and only learned of her illness 2 summers ago.
I am so sorry to read of Joy’s passing. She was always kind and generous to me. I learned she will sick two summers ago and hoped then that she would be able to carry on. After I wrote to her she sent me a humorous note back, she had tremendous spirit.