Meralee Marquet Clement

Meralee Marquet Clement, born on October 5th, 1941, at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, completed her life in the late evening of Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026, after enjoying her last Easter celebration with visits from her family. With the soothing sounds of her favorite vocalist, Andrea Bocelli, and the loving presence of her family’s voices and comforting touches, Meralee peacefully passed away; the final commencement of her greatest adventure lies ahead. She was 84 years old.

Meralee was a voracious reader and excelled in all things academic. A graduate of West Jefferson High School Class of ’59, she participated in Beta Club, French Club, the Editorial Board for the Jolly Roger, the school newspaper, and was also a member of the Yearbook Committee and Future Nurses club. Following her high school graduation, Meralee attended Charity School of Nursing, graduating first in her class in 1962. This accomplishment earned her a scholarship to continue her education in a collegiate nursing program.

In 1961, prior to graduating from nursing school, Meralee married the love of her life, Lynn Clement, her forever sweetheart. They began their family while stationed in Anchorage Alaska, while Lynn was serving in the United States Army. Their first son, Stephen, was born in 1963, followed by Gregg, born in 1964. Gregg was born in the wake of the Great Alaska Earthquake, (the Good Friday Earthquake). Upon Lynn finalizing his obligation in the US Army, the family moved back to the West Bank of New Orleans where they completed their family with their youngest son, Micheal, being born in 1965. Shortly after, Meralee and Lynn continued to build their lives together and started their own small business in 1967. After the business was established, Meralee returned to nursing and worked in the NICU at Meadowcrest hospital until she retired in 2008.

Meralee’s love of her family was her greatest love. However she also loved reading, writing, crocheting, needlepoint, calligraphy, photography, cooking, baking, and gardening, all of which she imparted onto her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Meralee’s joie de vivre, or joy of living, was seen year after year as she celebrated Mardi Gras, with a particular love for Endymion. In the Fall she enjoyed travelling to see the LSU Tigers play in Death Valley and many other SEC venues. She was also known to join a second line any chance she could. She loved great food and sharing meals with her friends and family; always eager to open her home to grand celebrations during holidays, proms, showers, or any gatherings that she could share her blessings with others. Her career as a NICU nurse exemplified her true nature as a nurturer; she loved the babies dearly. Meralee was “Mother” personified.

Giving, selfless, humble, wise, quietly influential, mom to many, and care giver to many more barely touches on how to best describe Meralee. She was our mom, our sister, our aunt, our mother-in-law, our nanny, our grandmother, our nurse, our friend, but most of all, she was our shining light, our North Star. Meralee was always willing to sacrifice for others. She was always looking to give back and contribute to her community. She volunteered in her faith community by chairing fairs, bazaars, and fund raisers of all types in support of church and school. Meralee always instilled positivity in her family’s lives, encouraging her sons and grandchildren to believe in their ability to become whatever they set their minds to. To quote one of Meralee’s favorite books, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decided where to go…” Meralee will be missed by all who knew her, and especially by those who had to chance to love and be loved by her.

Meralee was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Lynn Clement, her mother, Elmera Hinyup Marquet Spencer, her father, William Francis Marquet, her stepfather, James Spencer, and her bothers Bobby Marquet and Billy Marquet. Meralee is survived by her four sisters Lynne (Frank), Mera (Dale), Althea (Burt), Kitty (Jeff), sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Judy (George), three sons Stephen (Angie), Gregg (Robin), and Michael, 8 grandchildren, Sarah (Mark), Morgan (Ian), Brent, Kelsey, Lauren (Adam), Lindsey (Doug), Leeann (Shae), and Daniel and 7 great grandchildren Anne, John, Rose, Kalee, Drew, Henry, and Harper.

Family and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 8968 HWY 23 Belle Chasse, LA on Saturday April 18th 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 9am – 10am. Interment, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com