Gwendoline D. Long

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Gwendoline D. Long, Greencastle, passed away July 26, 2020 at her home.

Gwen was born March 28, 1923 in London, England. Her parents were Clara and George Banks. Gwen lived in England during World War II and experienced the London Blitz, which is the reason for her passionate distaste of the buzz bomb on Greencastle’s courthouse lawn.

It was during the war that Gwen met the love of her life, George F. Long. George was stationed in London serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theater of Operations. Gwen and George were married in 1944.

Following the war, they returned to George’s hometown of Greencastle. Gwen lived the rest of her life in Greencastle. However, she frequently returned to England, making her last trip in September 2018, at age 95. She also spent many winters in New Port Richey, Fla., where she had many friends.

Gwen and George were owners of Books Plus store in Greencastle for 33 years. Gwen also worked many years at Prevo’s and later owned Betsy Ross Fabrics.

George passed away in January 1988. In addition to George and her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her dearly loved sister, Irene Annetts, who passed away in December 2017 at age 95.

Those who knew Gwen, will remember and miss her because of her British accent, her hearty laugh and sense of humor, her World War II stories and her independent spirit.

Gwen lived a full life. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her sister. She loved being around people and seldom failed to ask visitors if they would like a cup of tea or a glass of wine. She never had a major health problem, never had surgery or was hospitalized.

She lived independently until passing away unexpectedly at her home at age 97.

Gwen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Services for Gwen will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3 at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Putnam County Senior Center.