Margaret Kebe Long had a professional career long before many opportunities as such were available to women. She earned degrees in English and social studies and was a home economist for West Penn Power. She also was a graduate of Indiana State Teachers College who later taught for the Shaler, West Allegheny and Pittsburgh Public school districts.

"Mom was not only a teacher by profession but also in the family," said her son, Paul Long, of Philadelphia. "She taught us so much about what was important in life and she was always willing to teach and encourage others."

Mrs Long, who had lived in Shaler since 1961, died March 19. She was 91.

According to Mrs. Long's oldest son, Dan Long, also of Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Slovenian immigrants Anton and Gertrude Kebe. The family owned a farm in Oakdale, Fayette County, and Mrs. Long is credited with bravery for saving the family's chickens during a fierce storm.

"She collected them in a burlap sack," her son said.

Mrs. Long spoke only Slovenian until she entered public school in the first grade, but learned English fast and was an excellent student. She worked hard and enjoyed schooling so much that she wanted to help other students have the same experience.

"Later, she decided she wanted to be a teacher herself," he said.

After Indiana State Teachers College, Mrs. Long attended Penn State University, where she earned a master's degree. She also met her future husband, Claude Long, while there.

Shortly after college, Mr. Long joined the Merchant Marines. It was during World War II and while he was away, Mrs. Long worked for West Penn Power. When he returned in 1947, the couple married.

Mrs. Long was dedicated to caring for her family. She took care of her parents in her home until they died in the 1970s. She later took care of her husband until his death, and her brother.

She also was active in the community.

Mrs. Long taught religious education classes and cleaned and maintained the library at her church, St. Bonaventure in Shaler. She volunteered her time at the Shaler North Hills Library, where her daughter, Marilyn, was a librarian. She continued to volunteer until last year, when she broke her leg, said Paul Long.

In addition to her sons and daughter, Marilyn Graham, of Butler, she is survived by seven grandchildren.

A Mass was celebrated Monday in St. Bonaventure Church. Burial was in the St. Mary Cemetery in O'Hara.