Cynthia (Cindy) Joy Long-Velkoff, aged 65, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed awaysurrounded by her family on July 31st, 2025. Cindy was born on April 18, 1960 in Pontiac, Michigan. She was the third child and only daughter of Gerald and Joy Long. Cindy grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan on Middle Straights Lake where she developed her lifelong love of water and boats. Cindy graduated from Walled Lake Central High School in 1978 and immediately entered the workforce. She spent her entire career working for West Bloomfield Township as a code enforcement officer and assessor. Being a mother was one of the greatest joys of Cindy’s life. She was incredibly proud of her two beautiful and talented daughters, Jenna and Kara. In 2011, Cindy married the love of her life, Nicholas Velkoff, after they reconnected at their 30th high school reunion. When she retired, she moved to Traverse City and worked at Brengman Brothers Winery.

Cindy embraced her middle name and lived a life full of joy. She was an artist and avid sports enthusiast who loved to paint, golf, ski, hike, play volleyball, fish, and much more. Cindy had a passion for animals, including her dogs and just about any wildlife she came across. She was an avid bird watcher. She collected friends (and rocks) everywhere she went, surrounding herself with an incredible cadre of remarkable women. She was always seeking her next adventure, whether it was climbing a mountain or building a dock at her house on Long Lake. Her home was filled with art and antiques that she created or discovered on her travels. Cindy was happiest being on the water in her boat “that loved to go fast”.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 14 years, Nick Velkoff, and her daughters Jenna Wiechert (Joseph Bujold) and Kara Wiechert (Kenneth Mitchell); her siblings, Michael Long, Craig Long(Ann), and Steven Long (Giselle). She is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family, and so many friends.

There will be a celebration of Cindy’s life on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Gilbert Lodge in Twin Lakes Park, Traverse City at 2:30pm.

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