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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Norma Kay Powers Long

Norma Long, age 75, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 17, 2021 due to complications from Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Leukemia.

Norma was born in Akron, Ohio to the late John Race Powers and Doris Fulton Powers. Living as a DuPont family due to her father’s career, the family moved to Florida, and Tennessee, before settling in Wilmington, Delaware, where she resided for the remainder of her life. After graduating from Brandywine High School in 1963, she attended Penn State for one year before marrying Leo Long in 1965. They were married for 55 years. She graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware in 1975.

Norma was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and co-worker. She was very involved with her husband’s, children’s, and grandchildren’s sports teams, which included many hours of softball, swimming, volleyball and soccer. It was rare for her to miss a game or meet. She enjoyed her roles as scorekeeper, team mom and head cheerleader.

Besides her grandchildren, her passions included her career, travel, meals and wine with good company, but more than anything, she loved spending time at the Delaware beaches with her dear family and friends. She always had a newspaper or book in her hand; “voracious reader” is an understatement. She dedicated countless hours raising money for causes such as the Beau Biden Foundation, American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware.

In 1977, Norma went to work on then-Senator Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, launching a career that would last more than 30 years. Following the 1978 election, Norma joined the Senate staff, managing the front office in Wilmington. She then returned to the campaign staff to help lead, with Valerie Biden Owens as campaign manager, Senator Biden’s 1984 reelection bid—managing staff, events and a busy headquarters, applying her team mom skills at the highest professional level. After rejoining the Senate staff, Norma quickly rose to the position of Delaware Scheduler, working as part of the Senator’s leadership team. She served in that role until 2008, following Senator Biden’s election as Vice President. Norma then worked for Senator Ted Kaufman until her retirement in 2010. Norma always valued and nourished close friendships with her work family.

Norma is survived by her husband, Leo; her children, Tracy Long and Kelly Long; her 5 grandchildren, Jake, Jordan, Shane, McKenna, and Braeden; her brother, Bob Powers (Linda); several nieces, a nephew and members of her extended family.

Family and friends may visit at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Tuesday, May 25, 5:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, May 26, at 10:00 AM at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington 19808. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Beau Biden Foundation at https://www.beaubidenfoundation.org/Norma, or by mail: The Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children, P.O. Box 7819, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Funeral Services

Family and friends may visit at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, on Tuesday, May 25, 5:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, May 26, at 10:00 AM at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington 19808. Interment will be private.

Condolences

    Brian Murphy writes,
    So very sorry Leo and family. Norma was beautiful woman dedicated to her family and making her world a better place.
    05/19/2021 05:28 pm
    Sue Devenry writes,
    So sorry for your loss.My favorite memories of Norma is as her roommate at the keys.She will be missed
    05/19/2021 05:57 pm
    Fariborz S. Fatemi writes,
    At such times words are not sufficient to express our sorrow. Suffice to say Nancy and I grieve with Leo and the extended family. Norma was my friend of nearly forty years. A friend in the extreme best sense of that word. From the first day I meet her, when I joined then Senator and now President Biden's staff, Norma befriended me and in all those years her friendship never wavered. She will be sorely missed.
    05/20/2021 11:02 am
    Mary Jane Volk writes,
    Dear Leo and Family, I am terribly sorry that Norma has left this world and know how difficult this loss is for all who knew and loved her. Norma was a wonderful colleague and protector of the Biden legacy. I hope there is some solace that she lived to see JRB become President. Norma certainly worked hard over the years to help him serve the people of Delaware. She will be missed. Sincere Condolences.
    05/20/2021 12:58 pm
    Natalie K writes,
    Tracy and Kelly, So very sorry for your loss. I absolutely remember your mom cheering on the Concord Volleyball team! What wonderful memories to cherish. ❤️
    05/20/2021 09:54 pm
    Bill Gardner writes,
    Leo my friend, prays are with you and the family. I am sure Norma is looking down on all of us, and in a place where she is pain free.
    05/24/2021 09:34 pm
    Charonda Johnson writes,
    Norma was one of a kind & will be truly missed! When I worked at the US Senate Norma was one of the first colleagues I met in the office,. To me she was a bit intimidating at first glance. As I got to know her better, I understood why and I greatly admired her work ethic and grew to respect her. She ran a tight ship, and kept us all on our toes in the office. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Norma.
    05/25/2021 07:06 am
    Carol Gunning writes,
    Leo and family, So sorry to hear about Norma, a wonderful person who will be missed. My sympathies to your family. Carol Gunning
    05/25/2021 11:22 am
    Victor W Buono writes,
    To my dear friend Tracy, her sister Kelly and to Leo...so saddened to hear about the loss of your dear mother and wife. She was one of my favorite people as a child and I cherish those awesome memories from the Channin days playing in the backyard at your house. To Leo, I love you sir, you always have a special place in my heart and I am truly sorry for your loss. She was one of the best!!! My mother and father send their deepest sympathy to all of you as well. There are people in your life that touch you, that welcomed every kid into her house with kindness and care, a person that you remember adoringly, and Norma Long, Mrs. Long, was one of those people!!
    05/25/2021 05:45 pm
    Glenda Anderson
    05/26/2021 12:44 am
    Glenda Anderson writes,
    Tracy and family, So sorry to hear about your mother’s death. I was just telling someone yesterday about your mom working for President Biden. I have fond memories of us working together. Glenda Anderson
    05/26/2021 12:47 am
    Rick Downes writes,
    Tracy, Kelly & Leo, I wanted to send you my deepest condolences for your recent loss. Your Mom always cared about us as children and supported the things we wanted to do. I remember after making up my mind about joining the Marine Corps how supportive & encouraging she was. Your Mom was one of the few parents that connected with your friends. My parents send their love & prayers to you and your Dad too.
    05/26/2021 08:23 am
    Christine Long writes,
    Norma was a wonderful woman with extraordinary compassion and patience. She loved her family and took great pride in their many accomplishments. Her larger Delaware family was lucky to have her formidable force acting on their behalf.
    05/27/2021 01:06 am

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