Claire E. Peggy Lalande

Claire "Peggy" Eloise Nielsen LaLande was born on February 11, 1928 in Preston, Idaho in Franklin County, where she lived from early childhood to young adulthood. She was the sixth child born to LaVere Parry Nielsen and Elverta Westbury Nielsen. In 1943, she moved with parents and sister, Anna, to Mt. Clemons, Michigan, where she graduated from high school. Shortly after graduation, she moved to California, where her sister and brother-in-law, LaVoyle and Harry, were living. It was there that she met her future husband, Deil G. LaLande, who was stationed in the Navy. They married on October 30, 1948.

After Deil attended barber school in Salt Lake City, Utah, they moved to Louisiana. Peggy was employed for over thirty years at the Jones, Jones and Alexander Law Firm, as well as at the Cameron Parish District Attorney's Office, until her retirement.

Peggy was a quiet, gentle spirit who was always generous with her time, love and money. She was always ready to help wherever she saw a need. Her deep faith in God was apparent to everyone who knew her. Peggy instinctively was devoted to her family and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her beauty and spirit will live on forever through her children and grandchildren.

Peggy passed away quietly at her home at 1:25 AM, Thursday, February 16, 2012. She is survived by six children, Tamara (James) Gay, Parry (Natalie) LaLande, Jena Kay Peacock, Patricia Sloan, Claire (Alfred) Trahan, and Joel Lee (DeLisa) LaLande; eighteen grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of fifty years, Deil G. LaLande; infant son, Deil Arthur LaLande; brothers, Charles and Reese; and sisters, LaVoyle, Lucille, and Anna.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2012, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sale Lane, Lake Charles, LA, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Bishop Aaron Young will officiate. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and continue from 9:00 AM until time of services Saturday at the church.

The family would like to thank Lou Boudreaux, who took such loving care of their mother, as well as the wonderful and caring staff at Odyssey Healthcare Group. We appreciate your love and support more than words could ever express.