Joan L. Long

Joan Louise Long, of Hobart was born July 7, 1932, the eldest child of John and Emily Durkin passed away peacefully at home at the age of 77 on October 5, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a 1950 graduate of Horace Mann High School, with an Education degree from Ball State and a Masters degree from Indiana University. She retired from the Merrillville Elementary Community Schools after working for 27 years as the librarian. After retirement, she served as a volunteer for several years at Methodist Hospital in Merrillville. Joan had many happy memories of her co-workers, and had a special group of friends, many dating back over 70 years to grade school. The “Bridge Club” and “Breakfast Group” were a couple of her and Jim’s favorite activities. She loved playing bridge and bingo, solving puzzles, travelling with family & friends, caring for many family dogs, and especially watching her grandsons grow and mature. Joan was an avid sports fan, and had front row seats at many “grandsons” sporting events over the years. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years James Long, brother Jack Durkin and granddaughter Rebecca Joan Miller who died as an infant. Joan was a loving wife, mother, and grandma and is survived by her sister Pat (Durkin) & Pete Meyer of Hebron, IN, 3 daughters - Teri (Long) and Scott Miller of Brownsburg, IN, Jeannie (Long) and Kennny Hastings of Hobart, IN, Sue (Long) and David Woodward of Valparaiso, IN, 3 grandchildren - Joshua Miller of Brownsburg, IN and Jacob and Riley Woodward of Valparaiso, IN, sister-in-law Carol Durkin of Williamsville, NY, many nieces and nephews especially Earle Long and his wife Susan of Indianapolis, IN, and special caregiver Margaret Kamuwanga of Zambia, Africa. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 8, 2009 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 710 E. 10th St., Hobart, IN, going to St. Bridget Catholic Church, 568 E. 2nd St., Hobart, IN. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Rev. Dominic V. Bertino officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home (Hobart). Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1551 E. 85th Ave., Merrillville, IN 46410 or VNA Hospice of Porter County, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. www.burnsfuneral.com

Joan L. Long

July 7, 1932 - October 5, 2009