BELFAST — Susan Hilyard Long, 70, of Belfast, died on February 23, 2026 at her home in Belfast. Born in Belfast on November 10, 1955, she was the daughter of C.D. George and Sylvia (Hilyard) Long. A member of the Class of 1974 of Searsport District High School she then received two bachelor’s degrees from UMaine in 1978 and University of New England in 2001.

Upon graduation from UMaine, Susan dedicated her professional life to working with those affected by substance abuse. She was employed by the State of Maine for many years as a licensed substance abuse counselor, case worker and clinical supervisor. In addition, Susan served as clinical director for Choice Skyward’s outpatient treatment program at Rockland.

Susan served on the executive committee for the National Organization of State Impaired Driving Program, board of Maine Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors, Maine State Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, and on the executive board of Waldo County AIDS Coalition.

Susan will be remembered for her quick wit, dry sense of humor, and vivacious personality. She was very family oriented and enjoyed researching family genealogy.

Special gratitude and thanks should be extended to her many friends and caregivers making it possible for her to stay at home: Laurence, Doug, Becky, Jacques, Heather, Amy, Judith, Sonja, Charlie, Rina, Ivy, Patty, Julia, Don, Cathryn, and Gentiva Hospice.

In addition to her parents, Susan was predeceased by her wife, Kate Hanbury; brother George “Tim” Long; niece, Susannah Long.

Surviving is her brother John R. Long and his wife, Dianne, and nephew Martin Long, all of Belfast; her aunt, Kathryn Bartolovich; and several cousins.

A memorial celebration will be announced in the future.

Memorial donations may be made to the Searsport Historical Society, P.O. Box 28, Searsport, ME 04974, or Searsport District High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 444, Searsport, ME 04974.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.