Virginia Maude Breakell Long

Virginia Maude Breakell Long, “Ginny,” of Petersburg, VA, died on January 21, 2015 at the age of 97. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Ralph Brosius Long; her granddaughter, Anne Watkinson Mattox; and her grandson, Clayton Douglass Bruni. She is survived by one son and two daughters: James A. Long and his wife, Latane of Waynesboro; Dorothy L. Mattox of Richmond; and, Nancy L Bruni and her husband, Frank D. Bruni of Richmond. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Virginia Eiben, Elizabeth Adams, Bill Long, Matt Mattox and Ben Bruni; and, nine great-grandchildren: Will Eiben, Alex Eiben, Luke Eiben, Virginia Adams, Blythe Adams, Bella Long, Cash Long, Matty Mattox and Henry Mattox. Truly a member of the greatest generation, Ginny was civic-minded, an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Bruton Parrish Garden Club of Petersburg and a happy joiner in her community, whether in Roanoke, Petersburg, or Sandbridge Beach. She cherished her relationships with her brothers, Harry and Stanley, and her parents as a girl growing up in Roanoke. She loved to tell stories of their escapades. Ginny compared their spontaneous, fun-filled lives of attending Broadway shows and sailing on ocean liners to England to the movie, “You Can’t Take It with You.” She would want you to know that she loved her Scottie dog, Jock, who saved her from drowning when she was a girl. She lived in Washington, D.C. during WWII where she worked at the FBI. Because she studied chemistry at Salem College, she was qualified to be a dietician. Ginny was adored by Ralph, and they were well matched for the full lives they shared. They were excellent dance partners, made friends wherever they went, created a nurturing home for their three children, and traveled as often as they could. Ginny liked to be with her friends, play golf, garden, and relished all things English, but her greatest joys were her loving relationships with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ginny loved being a daughter, wife and mother, and it showed in the generous and unwavering affection she shared, the delicious meals she prepared, the beautiful home she created, and the fun-loving spirit she brought to everything she did. The family extends its gratitude to the staff of The Petersburg Home for Ladies for their kindness and extraordinary care. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates contributions to the Fellowship Fund at The Petersburg Home for Ladies, 311 S. Jefferson Street, Petersburg, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .