While still in high school, she worked at Jamieson Insurance Company. Upon graduation she worked for Peter Eston's Ski School, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the police department at Redstone, and later National Life Insurance Company to support her family.
Family life began on June 17, 1961, when Darla married Eastman Howard Long at the Moretown Town Hall. Darla and Eastman built their home on Tucker Hill where Eastman continues to reside.
Darla took great pride in her home and family. She enjoyed decorating, cooking, canning, working in her flower gardens and mowing the lawn. She was a tremendous support and worked for many years in the family's maple sugaring business. She enjoyed shopping, day trips to the lake, feeding and watching the birds, sitting in the sunshine, the constant companionship of her dog, touring The Valley during foliage season, singing and listening to music and family gatherings.
Darla took comfort in the scriptures and was a faithful member of the Moretown Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Darla is survived by her husband, Eastman H. Long, her daughter Kimberley and her husband Jeff Dufresne; three sons, Avery and his wife Amy, Tony and his wife Judy, and Eric Long. Grandchildren include Cody Long, Nicholas Lamson and Katelyn Long.
Darla has been predeceased by daughter Anita M. Long, son Corey H. Long and brother Michael Bessette.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 29, at 3 p.m. at the Moretown Congregation Jehovah's Witnesses. A private burial will be arranged in the spring.
