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 at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights St, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913, on June 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm, followed by Visitation at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights St, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913, on June 29, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret Fay Longo, MD, will be held 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church with Rev. Anthony Dharmaraj officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Joe Gossett, Doug Powell, Trent Aulbaugh, Luke Morton, Zac Distefano, and Christian Henry. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Distefano.
To extend online notes of condolence to the Longo Family, please visit http://www.KramerFunerals.com.