Alma Bergeron Mclaughlin

Alma Bergeron McLaughlin died on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving friends and family. Besides her passion for living life to the fullest, which is the dash from the time you were born till you depart, she was known as “Aunt Alma”, “Alma”, “Mrs. McLaghlin”, and simply “NAN” to so many that she loved and adored.

She lived a wonderful life. She was the first graduating class from Southeastern Louisiana University. She went on to teach, own a steak house restaurant, and later in life to become a travel agent, retiring in her 80’s. She lived with her best friend and niece, Loretta DeSalvo, on their family property surrounded by warmth, love, family and community.

Born on March 23, 1920, Alma experienced health complications when she was only 3 years old and was told she wouldn’t live to be a young lady. Well, they were wrong. She lived a healthy and active 102 years; till the end she was still playing cards, loving her sports, and being the queen of her social life. She cherished her friends and family, which included her husband, Author “Warren” Mclaughlin, 5 siblings, 14 nieces and nephews, 33 great nieces and nephews, and on to 5 generations of a wonderful life she got to experience and be a part of.

In Nan’s words, “One of the hardest things I ever had to do was outlive my loved ones, but despite the pain, I will keep a positive outlook until the very end. If you know me, the last thing I want you to do is feel sorry for me. There is no place for that. The only thing stronger than my love for family is my appetite for oysters & laughter. This includes the ability to laugh at myself, enjoy a glass of wine or two and take down a few dozen raw oysters!”

Again, she was amazing! The people in Alma's life were what kept her going…

A tender tribute, however, is to Alma’s niece, Loretta.

“She was my niece, caretaker, cook, cleaner, chauffeur and so much more. She allowed me to stay in my home with my two adorable chihuahuas until the very end. She took me for drives and over the past 20 years, became my best friend. She gave me grace and dignity.”

Cheers to an amazing lady that taught us all what life is truly about- living your dash to the fullest.

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