Kelly M. Long

Kelly Michelle Long, 57, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025. She was born May 4th, 1968, in Peoria, Illinois. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Kelly found her way to the greater Saint Louis area with a job opportunity after a year of working in hospitality on a cruise line. It was here where Kelly met Philip Long and they began a family together a few years later. Kelly valued her relationship with God, family, and friends. She would frequently be out and about catching up with friends and spending quality time with her family. Kelly was influential in her community, especially with the next generation, as she was a recess aide and most recently a teacher’s aide at Hackmann Road Early Childhood Center working for the Francis Howell School District for the last 18 years. Always willing to converse with anyone and her genuine friendly nature, she would easily make “new friends” wherever she went. Kelly loved big and was loved by so many throughout her life.

Kelly was the beloved wife of Philip Long; dear mother and mother-in-law of Alex (Anne) Long; dear mother of Ryan Long; loving sister and sister-in-law of James (Kaylea) Hajnal; beloved aunt of Laken Garcia and Ethan (Kelsey) Hajnal; beloved daughter in law of Leon (Jenneth) Long; loving sister-in-law of Missy (Michael) Steinbach; dear daughter of the late James Hajnal and Barbara Hajnal and a loving soul to family and a caring friend to so many.

A Celebration of Life event will be held with more details to come in the next few weeks on this page. Family asks that visitors bring photos they may have with Kelly and/or be willing to write a message of how you know her, favorite stories, her impact on you and fond memories you have of her to the event. The pictures and letters will be used to compile a memory album for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, The Sparrow's Nest or a charity of your choice.