Monica Rose Long

There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask, "What if I fall"
Oh, but my darling,
What if you fly?
- Erin Hanson

Monica Rose Long was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 31, 1998. On July 3, 2017, she flew free like the angels that she emulated each moment here on earth. Monica was far too big for this world.

She gave of herself wholeheartedly in every aspect of her life. Her passion for dance started when she was a little girl and continued throughout her life. She competed on the Cottonwood Chaparrals drill team while maintaining outstanding grades in the Academy of Math, Engineering, and Science (AMES) program. She graduated with several awards, accolades, and scholarships to various colleges. She was attending Westminster College with a strong interest in history. She had an unrivaled zest for learning, experiencing life to the fullest, and fighting for equality for all. She loved animals, food, culture, music, her wonderful group of close friends and had a love for her family that is unmeasurable. Monica was not just breathtakingly beautiful on the outside, her heart was. She wasn't just full ride scholarship smart, she possessed wisdom beyond her years. A very talented dancer, as anyone has witnessed, she moved with grace naturally. Her hugs were like perfected choreography. She was intricate and simple joy all at once. She was a devoted daughter, aunt, sister, niece, and friend.

She is survived by her grandparents Bob and Rosa Long and Clif and Cyndi Hodgson; her mother, Jenean Goodsell; father, Shane Goodsell (Desirae); biological father, Thaddeus Sheridan; her siblings Andre (Maria), Mikayla, Aja, Michael, Tayvin, and Darius; aunts and uncle, Nicole (Steve), Danny (Tiffany), and Michelle (Cory); cherished niece, Analia; and cousins, Nation, Jersie, and Vincent. She is also survived by her fur babies, Louie, Lyla and Charlie, that did no wrong in her eyes and an infinite number of friends she has grown with through life and in death.

A viewing will take place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4501 W 5215 S, Kearns, on Sunday, July 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a vigil beginning at 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 10 at 11:00 AM.