Rose Marie Wood Long - Obituary

ose Marie (Wood) Long , 90, of Clinton, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2026. Born on March 30, 1936 in Prince George's County, Maryland, to the late Thomas Edgar Wood and Linda Viola Wood, Rose lived a long and beautiful life marked by strength, kindness, and deep devotion to her family and friends. Rose graduated from Surrattsville High School and attended Strayer Business School. She received her certification as a licensed practical nurse and began her career with the ophthalmology practice of Bernard J. Gurwin, M.D. who later joined the practice of Drs. Helfgott & Fine, where she served as office manager until retiring at the age of 67. In 1960 she married the love of her life, Joseph Alfred "Al" Long. Together they created a welcoming home filled with warmth, laughter, and great food, sharing 30 wonderful years until his passing in 1990. Rose was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She delighted in caring for her family, especially her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, whom she spoiled with homemade cookies, bedtime stories, and endless hugs. As a woman of strong faith, she found comfort in her relationship with God and was an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. She touched countless lives, and opened her home and heart to any in need. Whether at work, volunteering at church, or hosting family gatherings, she made everyone around her feel loved and valued. She was known for her sharp wit, feistiness, kindness, and her famous fruit cakes and crab imperial. Rose was predeceased by her beloved husband; her parents; and her siblings, Mary "Mernie" Wood, Thomas Edgar Wood Jr., Viola McDonald, John "Frank" Wood, Pauline Hayden, Richard "Dick" Wood, William "Chester" Wood, Walter Wood, Joseph Wood, Samuel Wood, Paul Wood, and Mildred "Nickie" Taylor. She is survived by her children, Bernard Long (Vanessa) and Phyllis Proctor (David); her grandchildren, Tabitha (John), Miranda (Hugo), and Mary; her great-grandchildren, Aryan, Olivia, Aubrey, Octavia, Aurora and Andrés; her sister, Evelyn (Wood) Larsen (James); as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, honorary family members, and dear friends. Rose lived 90 years full of grace and love, leaving behind a legacy of family, faith, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she cherished. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Rose's Life Celebration on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11 A.M. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 5203 Saint Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748. Interment to be held at 1 P.M. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, MD 20746. Flowers are welcomed, or donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Rose’s memory.