Helen H. Long

She was born September 2, 1947 in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Allan Bryce and Martha Louisa Dunham Hildebrand.

She was raised in Rices Landing and from an early age developed a talent with music. At the age of 3, Helen began singing with her sister, Lynn, in church and from there maintained her passion for music. She continued singing in church and while in school at Jefferson Morgan, she was a vocalist and also an accompanist on the piano for many musical productions. She also was a majorette at Jefferson Morgan. She graduated from Jefferson Morgan High School in 1965 and went on to attend Waynesburg College (now Waynesburg University) where she majored in education but continued with her music. She served as the piano accompanist for the college's production of “Oklahoma!” and also joined the Lamplighters, a touring choir group, contributing both her voice and her talent on the piano. Helen transferred to California University where she graduated in 1969 with a degree in education.

She then went on to her teaching career where she demonstrated her magic touch with teaching children math - not only within the schools but outside as well through special tutoring sessions. She continued her passion for education and music when joining the staff at SCI Greene to pass her gift of teaching music to those in need of healing and rehabilitation. She later joined the staff at SCI Greene where she continued this passion of teaching others and always said how much she loved her work.

Helen was deeply rooted in her faith as well. She became a member of Hewitt's Presbyterian Church in 1959 and faithfully served the church up until her passing. She was the church organist for over 21 years, sang in the church choir, and also served as an elder. She loved planning music for holidays and special events. She shared her love of music and her musical talents outside of the church through performances at the Covered Bridge Festival with David Hall as the group called "Just Us", at other local churches, and at events, such as Veteran's Day ceremonies. In addition, she taught so many how to play the piano - passing on her wonderful gift. Helen was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Ladies Auxiliary. In addition to Helen's many talents, she was an avid bridge player and a fantastic joke teller.

Surviving are two daughters, Rebecca Malia and her husband of Timothy of Hillsborough, NC and Kathryn Barney and her husband Gregory of Jacksonville, FL; a son, Garth Long and his wife Gloria of Phoenix, AZ; a sister, Lynn Boyle of Fayetteville, NC; and Helen’s long time love, David Hall of Rices Landing.

Friends will be received from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 8, the hour of services in the Hewitt Presbyterian Church, 1206 Crucible Road, Rices Landing, PA, 15357. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Hewitt Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of the Behm Funeral Homes, Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.