Lorie J. Long

Lorie Jane Long, of Leonardtown, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 19, 2025, at the age of 65. A devoted mother, beloved mom-mom, loyal sister, and cherished friend, Lorie’s life was a testament to unwavering love, selflessness, and steadfast dedication.

Born on July 5, 1960, Lorie was raised in a close-knit family that instilled in her a deep sense of faithfulness and compassion. She spent her later years serving her community as a bus attendant for special needs kids for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, where she touched the lives of countless children with her kindness and care.

Lorie had a vibrant spirit and an undeniable passion for sports — she was a true Washington DC fan through and through, cheering wholeheartedly for her beloved Redskins. Growing up, she spent many Sundays tailgating at football games with family and friends, creating some of her most treasured memories in stadium parking lots filled with laughter, food, and team spirit. Whether it was football season or not, her enthusiasm never wavered.

She also never missed a Washington Nationals game — whether it was spring training or a late-season doubleheader, she watched them all. Sports weren’t just entertainment for Lorie; they were a part of how she connected with the people she loved.

Lorie had a deep love for animals that guided much of her life. She spent countless hours at humane societies and local animal shelters. She also worked for a time at the racetrack, where her compassion extended to the care of the horses she helped look after. Her commitment to animal welfare was just one of the many ways she showed her generous heart and deep empathy.

To know Lorie was to know someone who gave without hesitation, loved without conditions, and remained fiercely loyal to those she held dear. She was the kind of person who showed up — with a hug, a helping hand, or a good laugh — just when you needed her most.

Lorie’s greatest joy in life was being a mother to her daughter, Sarah Bellerose, and she adored her son-in-law, Matthew. She was a proud and doting Mom-Mom to her treasured grandsons, Lucas and Elliott, who brought immense joy to her days.

She is survived by her daughter Sarah Bellerose (Matthew) of Leonardtown, MD, siblings Carolyn (Lyn) Sullivan of Abell, MD; Michael Barber (Lily) of Sunderland, MD; Gary Barber (Bernadette) of Lancaster, VA; and Greg Barber (Denise) of Dunkirk, MD, grandsons Lucas and Elliott, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard and M. Adelaide Barber (Hock), and her sister Stacy Barber.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Lorie’s life. The service will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Waldorf (10045 Bunker Hill Rd., Waldorf, MD 20603). Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering with food — her final tailgate party — where loved ones can share stories, laughter, and memories in the spirit of how Lorie lived. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Lorie’s life was one of grace, grit, and giving. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and loyalty will live on in all who were blessed to know her. May she rest in the eternal peace of our Lord, and may her memory be a guiding light to those she leaves behind.

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