Norma Kay Powers Long

Norma Kay Powers Long

Wilmington - 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.

For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.