Obituary of Rhonda L. DeLong

Rhonda Lynn DeLong Olean, NY Rhonda Lynn DeLong, 49, of 1951 West Fall Road, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (June 27, 2023) while at home. Born June 25, 1974 in Olean, she was one of four daughters born to William J. and Judith Brooks DeLong. They each predeceased her. A graduate of Salamanca High School, Rhonda soon began attending Intandem’s Day Habilitation program located in Allegany where she continued to participate until her passing. Rhonda loved being surrounded by her many friends at program; especially that of her best friend Becky. To say Rhonda enjoyed the movie and soundtrack of “Annie” would be an understatement. The highlight of any given day for her would be the opportunity to watch and sing along and for everyone to hear. Rhonda enjoyed this near daily ritual so much that she loved to share it with others every chance she could, often waiting for her good friend and roommate Marissa to come to their room so they could watch it together. It was a frequent occurrence between the two friends. Additional “loves” included watching episodes of “Little House on the Prairie,” her baby doll Laura, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, shopping, and visits to McDonald’s with her friend Brenda. She also loved coloring, puzzles, and bingo; not to mention pizza, burgers, M&M’s, and Reese’s- Everything a girl could want. One of the many blessings in Rhonda’s life were the days she spent living with Deb and Jerry Cummins in Allegany. For 13 years, the Cummins family showered Rhonda with the same love and care they gave their own children. She loved everything about living there with her extended family. In 2019, Rhonda moved to Intandem’s West Fall Road residence where she continued to thrive under their care. During her 3 ½ years there, she adopted everyone as a new friend and family member and was loved by many. Rhonda is survived by her sisters Michele Henning of Cheyenne, WY, and Holly (William) Butler of Olean; two nieces Laura and Cassidy Henning; her maternal aunts Karen (Dana) Field of Zephyrhills, FL, and Sharon (James) Taylor of Mt. Gilead, NC as well as her special cousin Susan (“favorite Uncle” Brian) Cross of Olean. In addition to her parents, Rhonda was predeceased by her sister Tammy Marie DeLong; maternal grandparents Melvin and Grace Vecchio Brooks and paternal grandparents Hugh and Annie Delong. Her family will be present to receive friends on Monday (July 3, 2023) from 11am to 1pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A funeral service will begin at 1pm in the funeral home. Dr. Anthony Evans will officiate. Burial will be next to her mother in Calvary Cemetery in Salamanca. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Olean Hinsdale Rd., Olean, NY 14760, or to Intandem, 1439 Buffalo St., Olean, NY 14760.