Jeanne M. Long

Born on February 19, 1926 in Hastings, Michigan, Jeanne Long was the only daughter of June H. Brumm and Ernast Irland. She was raised on the family farm in Barry County, Michigan and went to school in Nashville, Michigan. After she attended one year at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, she returned home to work in a defense plant. Jeanne met and married her husband David B. Long, after he returned from his military service in World War Two. As they were raising two children, they moved to several cities in Michigan with David's employer, Consumers Power Company. In 1967 the family moved to Portage where Jeanne attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College and had the honor to graduate in the first graduating class with an Associate Degree in Arts. She continued her education at Western Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Masters Degree in Librarianship. She made a lasting impression on many students' lives throughout her 14 years as a Media Specialist in the library at West Middle School in the Portage school system. After her retirement, Jeanne and Dave became world travelers and traveled throughout China, Europe, Australia and Russia. They enjoyed spending time in the south and attended 14 different Elderhostels in the various Gulf States. Her dedication to serving the community was a lifetime commitment. Jeanne was very active with various committees and served on the Board of the Kalamazoo Ladies Library. Her love of books led her to volunteer with her husband on the Friends of the Portage District Library and was involved with the book sales. She was a member of the Portage Garden Club, Portage United Methodist Church, the Portage Red Hatters, and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Because she was a lifelong learner herself, Jeanne and Dave established a scholarship fund at KVCC to help other students pursue their dreams with higher education. Jeanne is survived by her husband of 63 years David B. Long, son William F. Long Billie Ann of Helena, MT, daughter Roxanne L. Sutton Terry L. of Prescott, AZ, and grandson Sean J. Long Rachel of Portland, OR. A celebration of Jeanne's life will be held 10:00 o'clock Monday morning at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Friends may meet the family following the service at the chapel. Private burial will take place in Fort Custer National at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center or the David and Jeanne Long Scholarship Fund at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. www.langelands.com . 343-1508.