Margaret F. Longo

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, we remember Margaret Fay Longo, a truly giving and loving woman whose kindness touched countless lives. A servant at heart, "Margo" dedicated her life to caring for others, always offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and a compassionate spirit.

Known for her selflessness, generosity, and unwavering faith, Margo found great joy in serving her family, friends, neighbors and community. Her warm smile, gentle encouragement and genuine concern for others made everyone feel welcomed, valued and loved. She gave freely of her time and affection, never seeking recognition, but simply wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Margo was a woman of remarkable intellect, determination, and achievement. She attended Our Lady of the Lake University, where she was recognized as a Scholastic Scholar. She continued her education at Louisiana State University School of Medicine and later pursued advanced training at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. She completed her surgical residency at Confederate Memorial Medical Center.

Margo enjoyed a distinguished medical career spanning many decades. From 1968 to 1982, she practiced as a General Surgeon in private practice in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she became the first woman surgeon in Lafayette. She was also the first female Chief Resident at Mayo Clinic, breaking barriers for women in medicine and paving the way for future generations.

Throughout her career, Margo held numerous leadership positions. She served as Coordinator and Vice President of Quality Management at Lafayette General Hospital, Senior Vice President of Medical Services for Acadian Ambulance Service, and as a member of the Mayo Foundation Commission on Development.

Her professional accomplishments were many and included recognition as a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery. She was the recipient of the prestigious Surgical Travel Award from the Mayo Foundation and was honored throughout her career for her excellence, leadership, and dedication to patient care.

Despite her many achievements, Margaret remained humble and devoted to serving others. She viewed medicine not merely as a profession, but as a calling, and she cared for her patients with the same compassion, grace and generosity that she extended to everyone in her life.

Margo embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. She enjoyed scuba diving, gardening, cooking, golfing and traveling, always eager to explore new places and experiences. A strong advocate for philanthropy, she believed deeply in giving back and supporting causes that improved the lives of others. Her Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout her life, providing strength, purpose and a foundation for her commitment to serving those around her.

Above all, family was at the center of Margo's heart. Her devotion to family, faith and service leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Margo's legacy is one of love, humility, service and excellence. Through her example, she taught that the greatest gift we can offer is ourselves. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her and her impact will be cherished for generations to come.

Margaret is survived by her brother, Joseph Longo; her sister, Jo Ann Powell; and seven nieces and nephews: Cynthia Distefano, Jerry Distefano, Tammie Gossett, Stacey Henry, Doug Powell, Ken Powell, and Pam Aulbaugh. She is also survived by many great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

A Rosary will be held from 5-5:30 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights St, Hot Springs, AR 71913, on June 29, 2026, followed by visitation from 5:30 pm to 7 pm.

A visitation will be held at Saint Rita's Catholic Church, 4401 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA, 71303, on July 1, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. with a Graveside Service at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, 2202 Military HWY, Pineville, LA, 71306.

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