The back room of Riverside Soups & Sandz in Superior was filled with hugs, laughter and tears of gratitude on June 30 as friends, coworkers and community members gathered to celebrate the retirement of Mary Furlong.

For decades, Furlong has been a steadfast advocate for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Her compassion and commitment have touched countless lives while working in some of the most difficult corners of human experience.

"Mary is deeply knowledgeable about the systems in which she worked and provided immense support for the oppressed. Her dedication and work have been invaluable. She will be greatly missed, as it is difficult to find and train someone capable of providing the high level of service she offered to families and our community," shared Stephanie Quick with Frontier Counseling.

Former Mineral County Commissioner Dawn Terrill reflected on Furlong's lasting impact. 

"She’s made a phenomenal contribution to our county," said Terrill. "Keeping the HELP line going and teaching how to work that HELP Line and serving the domestic abuse community."

Another former Mineral County Commissioner, Laurie Johnston, remembered getting to know Furlong while serving on the county commission. 

"I met Mary when she started filming the (county) commissioners’ meetings and I looked forward every Friday to see her smiling face in the back of the room. She was always positive, and fair to everyone," Johnston remembered.

Rose Biessel made the drive from Hamilton to celebrate the retirement of her dear friend, whom she came to know during her years working at Mineral Community Hospital. 

A contingent from Community Justice of Missoula County also attended the celebration. Having worked closely with Furlong over the years, they shared the deep respect and admiration expressed throughout the room. 

Friends, coworkers and even former clients continued arriving throughout the late morning and afternoon, each wanting to thank Furlong and share stories of someone whose kindness and dedication made a lasting difference.

Although retiring from direct client services, Furlong isn't stepping away completely. She explained that she'll continue volunteering while transitioning into indirect services, supporting the staff who work on the front lines rather than providing direct advocacy to clients. 

"We have an Airbnb, so this summer we are booked solid so only having that as my job will make a comfortable transition," she said. 

She and her husband have five children between them, living from Hawaii to Missoula to St. Helens, Washington. During the summer, however, the family gathers in Montana.

 "Everyone comes to Montana in the summer," she laughed. Furlong was first introduced to Mineral County in 1974 or 1975 while working a friend's gold mining claim up Dry Creek. After raising her family in Hawaii, she said her husband wanted to experience living somewhere with four distinct seasons. After several years spent traveling and visiting family, they made Mineral County their permanent home in 2008.

Furlong has worked in domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy since the late 1980s. Over the years, she has spent considerable time speaking in local schools and has witnessed significant changes in how young people respond to conversations about family violence. 

"When I first started talking about family violence in 5th and 6th grades, the kids that were experiencing it would huddle and look down and try to not be involved. Now, they just speak up. One kid said to me, 'Oh right, I'm gunna bust my dad. Who's going to drive me to school?'"

The Mineral County HELP Line is a community-based crisis and victim advocacy organization serving Mineral County. The organization provides a 24-hour crisis hotline for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other crises. Services include crime victim advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, information about victims' rights, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, and referrals to emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance and other community resources. 

The Mineral County HELP Line is located at 301 E. Second Ave. in the Mineral County Library/Museum in Superior. The 24-hour crisis line is (406) 822-4202. More information about its services is available through the Montana Department of Justice's Mineral County HELP Line webpage.