Ann May (VanOrder) DeLong

Ann May (VanOrder) DeLong, 96 was reunited with her husband Tom of 69 years in heaven January 28, 2026. Ann was born September 3, 1929 in Glen Ridge, NJ.  Ann was the daughter of the late Robert Bailey and Myrtle Gertrude (Sickler) VanOrder.  She attended Maplewood Elementary and Cadlwell High School just like her father did.  She earned a B.A. in home economics at Western Maryland College.

Ann married the love of her life Thomas Stover DeLong in 1951 after graduation.  Sewing her own wedding gown with her mother.  They had two daughters Jean Marie and Nancie Jane.  The young family moved to Mont Alto, PA. to  the 50 acre DeLong Christmas Tree Farm in 1959, located in Gouglersville, PA.  Where they continued Tom’s fathers business.  Ann planted seedlings, pulled weeds in the seedbeds and mowed grass all summer.  She sewed dresses in the winter for their two daughters and sewed coats for them.

After living 12 years in the 1851 dairy barn Ann and Tom built their dreamhouse on the farm in 1971.  They put their two daughters through college, then  Ann and Tom travelled extensively to Alaska, Hawaii, Hong Kong, throughout Europe and even Australia.

Ann loved Ocean City, NJ.  and went every summer with her two friends.  Every August her children and grandchildren would spend a wonderful week at the beach with her.  She ice skated on their pond, played piano, cooked amazing meals (especially Thanksgiving dinner)  and knitted over 100 beautiful sweaters.

Ann was a member of Immanuel united Church of Christ, Shillington.  At age 86 she and Tom moved to an apartment at Keystone Villa in Ephrata where she resided the past 10 years.  She loved the many visits by her daughters and three generations of Grandchildren and spending all the holidays at her Granddaughter Heidi’s house that was built on her beloved Christmas tree farm.

Predeceased by husband Thomas Stover DeLong and daughter Reverand Jean DeLong Custer.

Survived by Daughter;  Nancie DeLong Minicozzi and  husband Ricky E. Minicozzi, Granddaughter;  Heidi Minicozzi, Grandson; Robert Thomas Custer, Great Granddaughter; Kira Ann Minicozzi, Great Grandson; Conner Thomas Sites, Great Grandson; Sawyer Thomas Custer, Great Grandson; Wesley Everett Custer, Great Great Granddaughter; Iris Gloria Nancie Eckert and Great Great Grandson; Justin Ricky Eckert.

Internment will be at Wyomissing Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,  contributions may be made in Ann DeLong’s memory to Nole Forrest, Cumru Township.

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