Sandra Kay Elgland Clemens, aged 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sandra was the beloved only child of Maryalice Chaffee Elgland and Waino Elgland. Sandra graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and her master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Sandra was proud to be a lifelong educator, with over 35 years of teaching in the Forest Hills School District. Sandra met Frederick R. Clemens Jr. (Fred), also a teacher in Forest Hills, and they were married for 46 years, until his passing in 2023.
Sandra and Fred lived on the Thornapple River and loved the beautiful Ada scenery. They also enjoyed summers at their cottage near Interlochen, relaxing and boating.
Though they did not have children, they loved a fluffy white Bichon Frisé dog, Casper, for many years.
Sandra was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, having thoroughly researched her family’s genealogy, including the Civil War, the American Revolution, and earlier. Sandra’s family dates back to the founding members of the Fountain Street Baptist Church (now known as the Fountain Street Church) and the first settlers of Rockford, Michigan, who purchased land from Native Americans. Her family history can be found in exhibits in the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to:
Daughters of the American Revolution, NASDAR Sophie de Marsac Campau Chapter, 6167 Del Cano Dr SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
A private memorial service will be held at Cascade Cemetery, Cascade Township, Michigan, where Sandra will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Fred.