Erin Marie Long

Erin Marie Long passed away on May 18, 2014, in Alexandria, LA. She was born in Houston on Aug. 12, 1984. Erin was a resident of St. Mary’s Residential Training School in Alexandria, LA, for many years. Under the care of the staff there, Erin became a lovely young woman full of happiness. We are grateful that the loving staff, trainers, clinic staff and residents there allowed Erin the freedom to be her own special person. One of those employees gave Erin her lifelong epithet: “That Erin Long…she’s quick, fast and strong!” Another chose this verse to honor Erin’s life: “Ask, and it will be given to you; Seek, and you will find; Knock, and the door will be opened to you: Matthew 7:7.” That verse is significant because when our family sought help for Erin we found a new family at St. Mary’s and we were blessed with another special person, the late Florence Singleton, who made a great difference in Erin’s life.

Erin is survived by her parents, Thomas G. and Lisa J. Long, and sister, Kathleen Long, all of Houston. She is also survived by her grandmother, Marie Johnston of Abilene; aunts and uncles John P. and Betsy Long, and MaryAnn Long, all of Houston; Lynn and John D. Howard of Louisville, KY: and Laurie and Patrick Garner of Ft. Worth. She leaves behind many loving family and friends, including cousins, Meg Long and Haley Long, of Houston: and Sarah (Bart) Howard Galloway and John Dallas Howard, all of Louisville, KY. She is predeceased by loving grandparents, Dallas Johnston of Houston, and Bridget and Harry Long, also of Houston.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am Thursday, May 22, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 10688 Shadow Wood Dr., Houston, Texas 77043, followed by a reception at St. Catherine's. A private family burial will be held later that day. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Erin Long to St. Mary’s Residential Training School, 6715 Highway 1 North, Boyce, LA 71409