Remembering Sweet Miriam

The DCC choral family lost a very special person on Wednesday, May 14th in a tragic fire. Miriam Long was a person everyone drew inspiration from. She sang with the group for 17 years and in spite of many physical challenges, she hardly ever missed a rehearsal or concert. Her love of nature and the creation of her beautiful gardens were admired, especially since she shared her knowledge and flowers with anyone who stopped by. Her dear husband Cliff was always by her side and accompanied her to Carnegie Hall many times as well as on musical cruises. Miriam was the epitome of a selfless, caring, courageous, creative, resilient and kind person. We will honor her legacy with every note that we sing and every concert we perform with love and joy. Rest in peace Miriam and Cliff.    -Marty Banghart

• There are so many wonderful things to remember about Miriam: her tenacity, her courage, her lovely gardens which she shared so proudly and generously but what I’ll miss most is her greeting. Every time I spoke to her, I remember her sideways glance, smile and a cheery, “Hi, dear!” genuine greeting. She was the DCC Spirit and will be greatly missed.   -Colleen Case
• We all know how devoted Cliff was to Miriam.  He went everywhere with her.  She wanted to sing at Carnegie the year of the snowstorm that closed all the streets on the east coast.   Manhattan was closed, except to those walking in the middle of the snow-covered streets.  Sweet Cliff was pushing her wheelchair up the street when he noticed a big gold man’s watch in the slush.  He stopped and picked it up.  He gave it to Miriam and she proudly wore it for the rest of her life. (See picture.)    -Mary Sue Shaw
• I will treasure the beautiful plant from Miriam’s gardens…now adorning my garden.  Miriam shared life and beauty so very generously.   -Patty Ballinger
• Miriam was such a sweet lady. As I sat up front with her every concert after my accident, I got to know her and Cliff well. I will surely miss her and am crying while I write this. With love.   -Jennifer Hayes
• Our Sweet Miriam, You brought so much joy to those around you with your love for music and gardening. I always looked forward to a welcoming, warm and kind smile followed by a “Hi girls” greeting when we would gather to sing. You and Cliff brought joy to the community with your beautiful gardens and will be missed incredibly by those who knew and loved you. We will continue to sing in your honor with the warm and kind smile that you always shared with all of us. Forever with us in heart and song.   -Brittany Maccubbin
• Such a lovely woman and loving couple.  Her singing voice was angelic and she was devoted to the music and her Gunpowder Gardens. She made a difference and her loss unspeakable.   -Cris Martin
• Miriam represented the heart and soul of the DCC – a music enthusiast who was an inspiration to all of us. She and Cliff were a formidable team and their love was absolute. Miriam was fiercely independent, optimistic, gracious, kind, caring and generous. She shared her love of nature with the membership – inviting us to her gardens – encouraging each of us to enjoy the magic of Mother Nature. She and Cliff will live forever in our hearts and minds. May they rest in peace.   -Stephanie Davis
• Miriam was such a beacon of sunlight and inspiration every Tuesday night and beyond. She faced so many setbacks and hardships in her life but never let that get her down, and she would refuse to feel like a burden to anyone. I would offer to help carry her seat cushion or her various things so many times after rehearsals or concerts, and every time she would refuse but would let me at least walk with her and keep her company. I always looked forward to those post-rehearsal hugs and I can’t imagine never feeling one again. She never failed to light up my day every time I saw and interacted with her. I honestly can’t even imagine starting next season without her constant presence in the front row. Cliff was a constant sight right alongside Miriam at concerts, a steadfast presence and an unmistakable member of our DCC family. Even my mother was incredibly saddened by the news of their passing, as Cliff had been her Carnegie buddy when we performed the Requiem for the Living there in 2018. She remembers both of them very well and is equally heartbroken for us and for all whose lives they touched. Their spirits will be carried forevermore in every song we sing. Their “light carries on endlessly, even after death” to quote one of our most recent performances.   -Jocelyn Sharpes
• My dear friend Miriam, yesterday time stopped when I learned of the news of you and Cliff. So very hard to comprehend. And I still am grappling in comprehending the news I heard. Miriam, I wanted to share about your gifts you shared of yourself with me, your love of singing and being a member of DDC.  Your gentle spirit, warm smile, and positivity. Your humor and the laughs we shared together – thank you. The times you invited me to your gardens at your home, you shared your knowledge and wisdom with your plants, trees, and shrubs.  Our shared love of nature which we talked about while walking under the canopy of the trees and sitting in the midst of your gardens.  Thank you, Miriam, for your warmth, kindness, generosity, and being so open and welcoming towards me. Miriam, you always had a bright smile for me. Oh, how I am going to miss your smile and your spirit. Rest in Peace Miriam and Cliff.  -Lynn Moore
• Miriam was a spark of joy in the lives of our choristers.  She always had a smile and a constructive, positive comment when speaking with you.  Miriam was an inspiration to all of us as she modeled determination, dignity, and grit in the face of adversity.  We rejoice that the DCC has a multi-generational membership and Miriam was a true example of the power of learning from others of all ages.  Her generosity and spirit were boundless.  Miriam was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. May Miriam rest in eternal peace.   -Pete McCallum
• Just another of many, many stories of Miriam’s sunny perseverance: When DCC first began rehearsing at Chestnut Grove, I was trying in vain to figure out the creaky, ancient elevator to help Miriam avoid the steps. After several unsuccessful minutes she cheerily said, “It’s ok, I don’t need it!” and proceeded to slowly and carefully take one step at a time, supporting herself with her cane and the stair rail. Of course several of us offered to assist her, but the only help she accepted was someone holding her music bag. No complaint, no disappointment, no grumbling. Her positive, determined demeanor in the face of physical challenges was nothing short of inspiring. Nothing in her way was going to stop her from doing what she loved. Cliff was a vital part of her ability to sing and travel with us, a constant support with a matching positive attitude. It is both heartbreaking and apt that they should leave this earth together. May they fly joyfully free in their new heavenly home.   -Wendy Scheinberg
• So shocking to hear this difficult news.  These blue Siberian iris are blooming today in my garden.  A gift from Miriam’s gardens!  She and Cliff loved to have us come to see her amazing flowers, shrubs and trees.  And then to give them away!  They were clever nature educators and stewards of the precious earth. With prayers to their family.   -Louise Ballard