Nell Magdalen Long

Nell Magdalen Long of Norman, OK, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, February 8, 2021, due to COVID-19 complications after a separate illness. She was 98.

Nell was born in Duryea, PA in the family home, on May 10, 1922 to Anthony John Miskinis and Agatha (Agota “Agnes”) Bagdon.

Anthony and Agnes immigrated separately from Lithuania to northeast Pennsylvania where they met and married in 1919. Nell grew up a coal miner’s daughter and graduated from Pittston High School.

She enlisted in the US Navy to make her dad proud, like the other miners talked of their sons joining the military. Nell became an Aviation Machinist's Mate, 3rd Class, and served in WWII, where she met her husband, Russ, in a hanger while repairing airplane wings. They were married on December 26th, 1945, in Pittston, PA.

Nell worked for Rockwell Aviation (helping on the team that designed the X1 rocket plane) while Russ flew missions in the Korean War. She then followed Russ through 70 moves for Amoco Petroleum, starting on a drilling crew in western Texas through to his retirement in Jakarta, Indonesia. They lived around the world in such diverse locations as Argentina, Aden, Libya, and Indonesia.

They had one son, David Long, and a daughter, Angela, who was stillborn. Russ brought Nell and David along on many annual vacation trips, taking advantage of their time overseas, and trips back to the States. Nell enjoyed supporting son David as a homemaker and caring mother that let him get a few bumps and bruises along the way, and encouraged his independence.

Nell was preceded in death by husband, Russell, of 72 years, her parents; half-sisters Adella and Antoinette (with Agnes’ prior husband, John Keblaitis), and sisters Helen, and Ann (Jack) Welch, and daughter Angela. She is survived by son David and daughter-in-law Nina and granddaughter Rebecca of Oklahoma City; grandson Dean and granddaughter-in-law Mary and great-grandsons Ethan and Caleb, of Norman, and many nieces and nephews.

Nell and Russ moved back to Norman to enjoy their retirement. She worked as a volunteer for the Fred Jones Art Museum at OU for several years. They continued to travel all over the world, enjoying many trips and river cruises.

They humorously referred to themselves as “Rusty Nail,” and Nell was often seen walking hand-in-hand with Russ, very much in love. He was occasionally found sitting on the front porch at Rivermont, when they had a disagreement and needed some alone time… but it was rare, and more often with her, just enjoying each other’s company.

Russ and Nell were founding members of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, of Norman.

Nell was well known for her stories of life experiences that she shared often with family and all the caregivers she came in contact with. The family would like to thank the staff at Rivermont Gardens and the doctors and nurses at Norman Regional-Porter that cared for her in her final days. She was one of the most determined 98 year olds they’d served, and she put up a good fight for 17 days.

Memorials may be made to the St. Marks "Sacrifice of Praise" Organ fund.
https://www.saintmarknorman.org/our-parish/sacrifice-of-praise/

***Due to the weather and road conditions, the Rosary for Monday evening has been cancelled. The funeral mass for Tuesday is still scheduled.***
Thank you, Tribute Memorial Care