Joan Elliott Long

Joan Elliott Long, 95, passed away on August 4th at her home in Millersville, MD.  Her son Russell and his wife Lori, her son John, and her granddaughter Emily were with her when she passed.  Born on January 25, 1928, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Joan was the daughter of the late Jack Ainslie and Dorothy (Grayson) Ainslie and stepdaughter of the late M. Karl Kellington.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Russell Price Elliott, Sr.; her second husband, William H. Long; her sister Gail (Ainslie) Rippel and her brother-in-law James Rippel. 

Joan grew up in Windsor, Ontario and entered high school at the age of 12.  She lived in Saginaw, Michigan; Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; and Columbia Maryland as her husband Russ’s career with Dupont grew.  On his passing, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to be close to her daughter and sister.  In spring of 2022 she relocated to Millersville to live with her son and daughter-in-law. 

Joan established a successful real estate career in Louisiana before retiring in the mid-1990s.  She was an excellent seamstress, making beautiful clothes for herself and her family.  She loved the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Joan was also a fierce competitor, especially on the golf course or when playing Hearts, Bridge, or Dominoes.  She was an avid reader her entire life and loved listening to music in the morning, especially Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and 1940s swing.  She loved animals and watched every zoo and veterinarian show ever produced.  After moving to Millersville, she adopted and loved Hannah, a 16-year-old chihuahua mix, who misses her very much.

Joan especially loved laughter, and had a loud, joyful laugh that we shall always remember and cherish.

Joan is survived by her three children: Wendy Elliott (Baton Rouge) and grandchildren Chip Elliott and Amy Hodges; John Elliott (Pittsburgh) and wife Jane, and grandchildren Becky (Howard DeCastro), Sarah, Elizabeth, and Jack (Katie Taylor); and Russell Elliott (Millersville), and wife Lori, and grandchildren Emily Smith and Stephanie Cimino; three nephews, David, Brian, and Jeffrey Rippel; and two stepdaughters, Roberta (Long) Richard and Virginia Ann (Long) Norris.

She is also survived by great-grandchildren Colton and Quinn Elliott; Mason Hodges; Ben and Alice DeCastro; Stella Elliott Schmitt; Brendan, Jillian, and Ryan Smith; Mia, Camden, Trey, June, and Remy Cimino.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9th 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. (313 Talbott Ave, Laurel, MD 20707). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at 11:30 AM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Joan’s memory be made to the Senior Dog Sanctuary in Severn MD. 

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