Patti Long

Patti H. Long, 65, a lifelong resident of Mint Hill, NC, passed away on December 28, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Patti was born on October 7, 1958 to Rubye and Wilson Hagler of Mint Hill, NC. She graduated from Independence High School and began a career as a make-up consultant. Through the years she had a varied work life. She worked for many years as a yearbook photo touch up specialist, but later found herself working to replenish ATM machines where she could have Buddy, her dog and best friend, accompany her on her work route each day. Patti worked as a caregiver in her final years and her last thoughts were of the people she took care of and her concern for their well-being. Patti married the love of her life, Robert Michael "Mike" Long in the Spring of 1980. They shared a passion for music, family, friends and animals. Although Patti was never blessed with children, she loved her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and rarely forgot a birthday. Patti was referred to as "our udder grandmudder" by her great nephews, Josh and Gabe Bouza, who were by her bedside in her last days and final hours as were Tanya and Alan Beauvais, Maggie Hessinger, Mike Long and Kathy Artom. Patti was a gentle, sensitive and quiet person who hated being the center of attention but relished sitting quietly in the shadows, rarely, bringing attention to herself. Her humor and laughter will be sorely missed. She had a knack for bringing laughter to any situation, usually, at her own expense. She would say something completely outlandish and would look at you with her beautiful blue eyes, and say "What, did I say that out loud?" Patti enjoyed the simple things in life, family, good music, her television shows and jewelry making. She enjoyed vacations, beach trips most of all, where she loved staying in hotels, having early morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the ocean, swimming in pools and walking on the beach at sunrise and sunset. On a recent visit to Oak Island, NC, she was thrilled at the prospect of witnessing the hatching of sea turtles and seeing their little footprint heading into the ocean. Patti, the youngest of the five Hagler children, was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Rubye Hagler, her sister, Judy Harrison and her, beloved and spoiled, Jack Russell “Terrorist,” Buddy. Patti is survived by her husband, Mike Long, her sister, Kathy H. Artom, brothers, Ronald Hagler (Debbie), Mike Long (Margie) and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In her final days, Patti was too ill to answer the many text and phone messages left, daily, by so many of you. Please know, every text, voice mail and call received was shared with Patti and she was grateful. The family would like to especially thank Mike and Bob Long and family for your love and concern. Please know that Patti would not want people to mourn her death, but celebrate her life. As you read these words, know that her family would love for you to share a funny episode you experienced with Patti, or anything you think she would have enjoyed hearing. A private celebration of her life will be determined at a later date.

Patti Long

October 7, 1958 - December 28, 2023