Louise Maxine McClelland

Louise Maxine Samrow McClelland "Sammie" of Elton, Louisiana left this world and entered a heavenly one on February 20th 2026 at 105 years young.  Louise was born April 14th 1920 to George and Viola Nunez Samrow in the family home in Slidell, Louisiana. She is proceeded in death by her Husband Arvid A (Mac) McClelland, her parents, and her six brothers, namely Steve, Stanley, Sidney, Perry (Buddy), Earl, and Tony Samrow, and several nieces and nephews. Even though she had no children of her own, she was thought of as a mother and grandmother by many of her nieces, nephews, students, and neighbors' children and grandchildren.  She is survived by 15 nieces and nephews and many great- and great-great- nieces and nephews.

Lousie graduated from Slidell High School at the top of her class in 1939. She continued her education earning a Bachelor's Degree in 1943 from Louisiana State University, majoring in English and French with a minor in Math. She would later earn a Masters Degree from McNeese State University in 1956, and a Masters plus Thirty.

Mrs. McClelland was a beloved Math teacher for 35 years who endeared herself to her students through her love, care, discipline, and inspiration. She always made time for her students, whether it was in helping with extra-curricular activities, or tutoring before or after school. She taught 2 years in Iota, 6 years in Crowley, and 27 years in Elton. She also taught Adult Education for 10 years.

In addition to teaching, she was an active member of many organizations and held leadership positions in most. These organizations include The American Legion Auxiliary (318), Cancer Society, Louisiana Teachers Association, Jeff Davis and Louisiana Retired Teachers Associations, Delta Kappa Gamma, VFW Auxiliary (3686) and DAV Auxiliary.

Mrs. McClelland's greatest joy came from serving her God and fellow beings through her activity and leadership at St Paul's Catholic Church in Elton, LA. She served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, Teacher, Finance Committee Chairman, Pastoral Council president, Altar Society Secretary, Treasurer, President, and Vice President, and RCIA Member. She organized and started the Adoration of the Sacrament in the parish.  For these and many other voluntary acts of service, she received the Medal of Devoted Service from Bishop Jude Speyrer of the Lake Charles Diocese.

 Other honors she received were Elton High Lifetime Achievement Award, The Key to the City of Elton, Grand Marshall of The Elton Christmas Parade and 2025 Homecoming Parade. In 2020, she was honored for her 100th birthday at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Slidell, La and with a 100+ car Parade in Elton. 

Throughout her life she continued to learn, love, serve, and inspire others. She learned to paint, use new technology as it developed, and traveled the world with family and friends. This awesome, loving, and amazing woman will be missed by all who knew her and all whose lives she touched.

A public visitation will be held at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm, with a rosary being recited at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday morning at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Elton from 8:30 am until the time of Service at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow the next day on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Alexandria National Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.