Alishia “Lish” Rae Long, 44, of Milesburg, passed away surrounded by family and friends on January 16, 2025, after a valiant fight to recover from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Alishia was born on November 7, 1980, and was the daughter of Gary Long and Geri Long, who are both surviving at their homes.
Alishia graduated from Penns Valley High School and South Hills School of Business. She was employed by Penn State in Chemical Engineering as an Academic Program Coordinator. Alishia also worked as a bartender at the Milesburg American Legion.
Alishia is survived by the loves of her life, her children, Dylan Urbanik and Halle Urbanik; her father Gary Long; her mother Geri Long and stepfather Todd Hillard; her partner Ed Varner and his children, Jake, Curt, Kallie, and Kenna; her two brothers, Gary Long and his wife, Martha Hoffman, and Nigel Long and his partner, Brooke McVay, and a sister, Ana Roan and her husband, Christian; nieces Maddie and Paisley, nephews Vinnie and Kory; Grandmother Betty Long. Alishia was also blessed with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She is also survived by too many “best friends” to list.
Alishia was preceded in death by her Grandfathers, Harry Long and Robert Prisk, Grandmother Dorothy Prisk and by her Uncle Barry and Uncle Frank.
Alishia had a true love of life and a way of making you feel like an old friend even after just meeting. She was always ready to help anyone in any way that she could. She loved her family beyond measure and adored her friends limitlessly. Alishia was always eager for fun. Her joy of life was contagious and in no time, everyone in the room was having fun. She loved hanging out with family and friends, riding side by sides, wrestling (she loved wrestling!), and planning parties – she was an expert! She was a super fan of Penn State Wrestling and Bald Eagle Wrestling. Alishia was the team mom even when she didn’t have children wrestling. She also loved our “framily” vacations to the Outer Banks. She was a great cook and spoiled us all with her delectable meals while on vacation. Alishia had a very soft spot in her heart for children and seniors. She loved caring for them, and they brought her great joy.
But the greatest loves and joy of Alishia’s were her children. She was a great mom who believed Dylan and Halle hung the moon. Alishia’s love of life and strength has been handed down to her children and that along with the life lessons she has taught them along the way will help to ensure a bright future for them even in her absence.
Alishia will be missed by many, and she will forever be loved and never forgotten.
Alishia’s family wants to express our deepest thanks to the entire staff in the Neuroscience ICU at Geisinger Medical Center, especially the nursing staff, for the great care and compassion shown to not only Alishia, but to all of us during her time there.
There will be a public viewing held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. There will be a time of sharing open to family, friends, and loved ones at 1:00 PM. Burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alishia to her children, Dylan and Halle Urbanik, c/o Todd Hillard, PO Box 160, Millheim, PA 16854.