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Margaret Long Obituary
ITHACA - Margaret Railsback Long, 98, of Ithaca, NY, widow of Louis Jefferson Long, Ph.D., the eleventh President of Wells College, died December 1, 2007 in Ithaca, NY. Mrs. Long was born in Ashland, Nebraska, the daughter of the late Lee Willard and Mary Eubank Railsback, and has resided in Ithaca since 1973.
Mrs. Long was a graduate of the University of Illinois and a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She taught school in the Weldon, Illinois School District and later in the Meadville, Pennsylvania School District. In October of 1951, she and her husband, Dr. Long, moved to Aurora following his inauguration as President of Wells College.
The Long's lost no time entering the life of the college and the community. Mrs. Long, an accomplished cellist, played regularly in chamber musical recitals and she became a member of the Thursday Club, a local literary club. In addition, she served as a member of the Auburn Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and later, she joined the Ithaca Garden Club.
Mrs. Long served as advisor and was the guiding inspiration in the renovation and restoration of Taylor House and its exterior gardens. Mrs. Long established the tradition of opening her home at Christmas for faculty, students and villagers.
Surviving are one son, Barry J. Long and his wife, Glenda of Ithaca, NY; one nephew, Stephan M. Railsback and his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Stephanie and Brent of Williams Bay, WI; six grandchildren, Barry J. Long, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Pittsburgh, PA, Deborah C. Jackson of Granby, CO, Brian T. Long of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Glenn B. Munro of Moravia, NY, Laurie Littleford of Lansing, NY, and Susan Cox of Syracuse, NY; nine great-grandchildren, Owain Long, Nevan Long, Tristen Long, Tyler Munro, Brandy Scott, Jennifer Cox, Kim Cox, Michael Cox, and Theresa Littleford; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Long was predeceased by a grandson, David Cox, who died in 1998.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2008, in the Shakelton Funeral Home, 418 Main Street, Aurora, NY, with the Rev. Robert Hugh French, Wells College Chaplin, officiating. Interment will be in Oak Glen Cemetery, Aurora, NY. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospicare of Ithaca, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, in memory of Mrs. Long.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Long
4 Entries
Mimi Perko
August 11, 2008
Butch and Glenda - So sorry to hear about Marg. She was a wonderful lady, with a spirit so welcoming and warm, always generous with her time and talents. I have so many fond memories of spending time with her while I lived in Ithaca. She will be missed. My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Kelleena Richards
July 16, 2008
Margaret Long was the epitome of class and elegance. I learned a lot from her and will remember her in my heart and prayers forever.
Mary Blavos
July 16, 2008
Dear Barry and family, My mother was LJ's (Stinky's) secretary when he worked for Tompkins County Area Development. Your parents were wonderful to her--my mother (Carloyn Sloat) took a trip to Hawaii with your mother. Your wonderful, most gracious mother came to my very humble home for pancakes after that trip; she had that marvelous quality of making everyone feel that they were all right with the world. I think of her often. --Mary Blavos
Marcia Miller
July 16, 2008
Dear Barry and family, My deepest sympathy to you and family. You know how special your MOM was to me and my many many years of doing her hair. This always was my pleasure. I am coming up and will try to make it for her service. Prayers for you, Marcia Miller
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