Sally Ann Albers

Sally Ann Albers, 86 of Alexandria, MN died peacefully on December 31, 2022, surrounded by her family.

She will be deeply missed by her children; Tom (Anne), Libby (Tim) Erickson, Cindy (Terry) Verschaetse, daughter-in-law Leila Albers; her grandchildren Emily, Sarah, Liz, Caroline, Eleanor, Abecca, Tyler, Colin, Bailey, Madison, Cameron and Keon; her great-grandchildren Charlie, Juliette, Kai, Riese, Tate, Finn and Archer; her brother Terry (Nancy) Swenson; sister, Jane Tambornino; sister-in-law, Armajean (Joe) Jannach; numerous nieces and nephews all who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur, and Clara Swenson; husband, Garland; and son, Jim.

Sally was born on January 20, 1936, in Minneapolis MN. She spent her early life, growing up in Maple Plain, MN, graduating from Orono High School in 1954, and then St, Cloud State University in 1958.

She married the love of her life, Garland, on August 16, 1958, beginning a life together lasting 60 years. Their journey took them to Excelsior, Wayzata, Windom, Nevis, Panama City Beach and points around the globe, ending in Alexandria.

Sally was an accomplished teacher and a life-long learner, she was never one to shy away from learning or trying something new and then sharing her newfound skill or enjoyment with others. She loved her vocation as a teacher and focused on educating those who were challenged with learning. She was determined to provide her students with a path to success that often went beyond just the time spent in the classroom.

She taught and imparted the life-skills and wisdom that served her so well; the things in life that matter the most, having a faith, your family, and good friends. She taught us the gift of caring for yourself and those around you. She taught us that to make a difference you need to make things better than they were when you arrived. And she taught us to find some peace in life’s tragedies, because you will have them, and it’s how you deal with them that will shape you and determine what comes next.   

To her extended family, and friends, Sally will be remembered for her always welcoming spirit and the passion she brought to whatever the task at hand happened to be. This passion and commitment created friendships and relationships that have endured both time, and distance. If there was a project, she was involved. If there was an event, she was there. And, if there was a card or board game she was playing. This is how she connected with others and how we connected with her, by being involved.   

We will miss her in our lives, in our homes, at our tables, and at our gatherings. But we are all truly blessed to have the memories of Sally forever in our hearts.  

A memorial to acknowledge public educators will be made in Sally’s honor.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the Alexandria Covenant Church with a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at the church.