Arlene A Long

Arlene A. Long, (Anaya), aka: "Diamond Lil", born on February 16, 1938, in Mason City, Iowa, peacefully passed away on March 1, 2024, in St. Paul, MN at "Our Lady of Peace-Hospice" at the age of 86. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, Aunt, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her father, Miguel Anaya, mother, Blanche (Solis) Villasenor, sisters, Mary Cassillas, Eva Alsides, grandson, Greg Jr.(Greggie) Ramirez, son-in-law, Mike McElhatton.

She is survived by her children, Greg, (Kathy), Ramirez, Jessica (Ramirez) McElhatton, Aaron Ramirez (Karen Anderson), Grandchildren, Patricia Ramirez, Louie, (Annie), Ramirez, Nick, (Natalie), Tackaberry, Nathan, (Katy), Tackaberry), Logan Campbell, Great-Grandchildren, Owen, Lilly, & Miley Ramirez, Taylor, Rheanna, Will, & Helaena Tackaberry, Brynn & Cole Tackaberry. Brothers, Mike Anaya (Bev), Tony Anaya of Houston, Texas, Sister, Becky Sherry and many loving nieces and nephews.

While Arlene ultimately conceded to her 30+ year battle with cancer, this disease did not define her life. Showing great courage, she forged ahead through many years of medical challenges, but with her presence of defiance, determination, and faith, she lived her life to the fullest.

Notably, she was known for her independence, strength, vibrant spirit, and great sense of humor. Above all, she loved and cherished spending time with family, and she adored her two companions, CeCe and Mona, her cockatiel birds. She loved to shop, and had an eye for fashion, which earned her the nickname "Diamond Lil" many years ago, and shortly thereafter she became Lil to her siblings and Auntie Lilly to her nieces and nephews.

She was a talented cook, especially known for her mastery of old-world Mexican recipes which gave her great pleasure in hosting countless lively parties and holiday celebrations for family and friends, complete with decorations and gifts, savory food, games, and prizes which always created lasting memories. Remarkably, due to her love of cooking, and her exceptional culinary skills, she was instrumental in opening and operating two Mexican restaurants in her lifetime, "El Matador" in Rochester, MN. many years ago, and "Mazatlan" in West St Paul during the 1980's.

Professionally, Arlene dedicated much of her work-life to serving others, working at "Guadalupe Area Project", school for the underprivileged and at-risk kids, (GAP), with the legendary, (Sister Giovanni), "3M Corporate" (Maplewood), and the "YWCA's Transitional Housing Program" (St Paul) as a Housing Manager she provided essential support services for women and children in hardship transitions. She empowered families by providing housing, support services, and educational opportunities to help them become self-reliant.

She was our family's matriarch, the heart & soul that kept us all together. It was this selfless love of family, and her extraordinary cooking that has become her legacy that will live on in the hearts of our family. Arlene will be dearly missed by those that loved her and may her legacy and her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. May She Rest in Peace!

In her honor, a "Memorial Service" will be held on April 5, 2024, at "Our Lady of Guadalupe Church," 401 Concord St, St Paul, MN 55107. The Visitation will be held from 10 am to 11 am in the church, and a Catholic Mass from 11am to 12pm, followed by a Reception at 12 pm in "Celebration of Her Life".

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to "Our Lady of Peace - Hospice" (St. Paul) "Our Lady of Guadalupe Church" (St Paul) and "The University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program - Medical School" (Minneapolis) where she donated her body to science for the Study of Cancer to benefit humanity.