Juliana Long

Juliana "Mella" Long Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Juliana "Mella" Long, who left this world on February 4, 2025, at the age of 95. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love, kindness, and unwavering strength shaped the lives of those she cherished most.

Mella was a lifelong resident of Pecos, NM, where she absolutely loved her little house that brought her so much joy. She retired from the State of New Mexico government, where she dedicated years of hard work and service.

Mella’s warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She is survived by her son Kenneth "Kenny" Noice (Judy), daughter Juliana “Julie” Brown (Mitch), sister Cecilia Valdez, and brother Francisco "Sonny" Rivera (Grace). She was also a loving stepmother to Chris Long (Barbie) and Cathy Long Pertusini.

Her cherished grandchildren include Kenneth "K2" Noice II (Shelley), Lenard "Lenny" Noice II (Nancy), Kimberly Martinez (Devin), Brian Noice, Erika Dye, Ethan Dye, Christina Gonzales, Ritchie Gonzales, and CoraLynn Gonzales. She was blessed with great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mella held a special place in her heart for her honorary daughter, Josette Griego, her loving niece Joyce Rivera, and her cherished friends Geri Vigil and Dolores Baca.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Felipe and Reynelda Rivera, her brothers Fidel "Filo" Rivera (Minnie), Ted Rivera, and Albert Rivera, her sister Rose Rivera-Romero (Facundo), and her beloved sons Lenard "Lenny" Noice (Carla), Eloy "Butch" Gonzales, and Richard "Ricky" Gonzales (Valerie).

She found joy in gardening, reading, playing Scrabble, and feeding her birds and cats. Her love for nature, animals, and lifelong learning brought happiness to those around her, creating cherished memories that will live on forever.

A private celebration of life will be held on March 7, 2025, at Rivera Funeral Homes, Santa Fe Memorial Gardens, 417 East Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505, where she will be laid to rest by her son "Butch".

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in her honor.

Mella’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ambercare Hospice and Morada Quintessence for their compassionate care and support.

Though she is no longer with us, Mella’s spirit will continue to shine through the love she shared and the many lives she enriched.

May she rest in eternal peace.