Q: What is your name, and how old are you?
A: Mary DeLong, (will be) 87 in August of 2016.
Q: What was Rich like as a little boy?
A: Rambunctious — loved everything and loved to sing.
Q: Are you surprised he ended up working in senior living?
A: Well, in a way, that I am with him. I never thought I would be with him at this age.
Q: What did you think he would be when he grew up?
A: I thought he would be a football star.
Q: What about Rich makes you most proud?
A: I am most proud of his accomplishments and how he treats people, the way he lives and portrays himself. I am so proud of him, and I wish his dad was here.
Q: What has it been like living at the Suites?
A: This is a marvelous place to live. It is like home, and everyone is friends here. Everyone participates. I just think everyone is wonderful. There is so much to do. He has a good staff; they are wonderful.
Q: Who does Rich remind you of?
A: He reminds me of my father. He never knew him; my dad died when I was 12 years old. His character and his work ethic. My dad was in politics, and he had a business. After retirement, he went to work on a farm. I wish I had been older so I could help more. He was there for anyone who needed him.
Q: What was your professional career?
A: Worked in retail for 20 years, and then I went to modeling school. I modeled in New York for two years in my 20s; I did some photography work and commercials. The most fun job I had was working at the Stork Club. It was a super club, and it is where the celebrities would go to dine. All the people that had television shows would come in after their shows. I was so glad to have that job at that time.
Q: What is your most special moment with Rich?
A: We all took a Disney Cruise together, and the family all went. I really enjoyed that because we were all together. We danced and had a great time.