"Dear Jean, Mary and Eileen I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and Dad were so great to have living next door for all those years and another benefit was seeing the love and caring in your family. What a treat. And how about your Mom and Elenore mowing, in unison, that huge lawn! So many good memories of you, gals, having parties at the house, games on the front porch, Mom's loving updates of all her Grandchildren. But most of all, seeing the love that you ,all, had for your family, was the most touching. May her memory be your blessing. Cindy next door"
In loving memory of
Elizabeth R. Longcope
July 12, 1916 - February 3, 2018
Elizabeth "Betty" R. Longcope, 101, of Fort Washington, PA, died peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Fort Washington Estates surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Maxwell) Rush. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Denham Longcope, in 1990.
As many of you know, Mom was born to two blind parents in West Philadelphia. After Mom contracted pneumonia at 20 months, the doctor suggested that she spend some time in the country to heal completely. Mrs. Mary T. Houghton (Nana) invited her to stay with her in Ambler for a couple weeks. Mom stayed for the next 24 years! Her parents never gave her up for adoption but felt Nana could provide her with things they couldn't. Her parents would travel from West Philly and she to them for visits.
Betty grew up as a very active child. She had a lot of energy and loved to roller skate, ride bikes, and swim in seasonal weather. She was also a good acrobat doing somersaults, cartwheels, and backbends into her 40's! She took ballet as a child and retained that love for dance through life. She graduated from Ambler High School, Class of 1935, and Chestnut Hill Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1938. In November 1942 she married Paul, whom she had met at St. Thomas' Sunday School, Whitemarsh, at the age of 8.
Betty worked at Chestnut Hill Hospital and as a private duty nurse until her family came along. Later, she spent some years serving in nursing home care until her retirement in the 1960's. She enjoyed family, taking care of their home, sewing, and deep sea fishing with her husband, Paul. In addition, she was active in various organizations: Brownie leader for the Girl Scouts of America, the American Legion Auxiliary 125, and the Needlework Guild Association of Ambler. Betty was a member of St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Blue Bell, since its inception in 1963 and served on the Altar Guild.
She is survived by her three devoted daughters: Mary Smith and her husband Doug of Warminster, PA; Jean Caputo (the late Nick Caputo) of Pennsburg, PA; and Eileen Pugliese (the late Pat Pugliese) of Skippack, PA. She is also survived by 7 loving grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 750 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA.19422. Betty's Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM. Internment will be at St. Thomas' Church Cemetery, Whitemarsh, PA, immediately following the service.
Remembrances in Betty's name to St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church at the above address, the
Salvation Army or the SPCA of Montgomery County would be appreciated by her family.
Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"I have very fond memories of your mom from when I was a child and she would be at my grandmother's house. She was always so sweet and kind to us kids. I am so very sorry for your loss Krista Pursell Walters"
"Dear Mary, Jean and Eileen, So sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts prayers and sympathy are with you all. Lorraine (Pistilli) Leidy "
"To the family of Mrs. Longcope: Norm and I send our condolences to all of you for the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I knew Mrs. Longcope since 1943 when we lived on the same street. I was friends with Mary Alice and Jean and went to school with them until 1954 when my family moved to Horsham. I remember meeting Mrs. Longcope's father who would visit the family in Ambler and then I believe he lived with you also. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Norm and Arlene Focht"