Sheila Mae Albers passed away on July 26, 2026, at her home in Mazeppa, Minnesota, surrounded by the love of her family.
Sheila was born on May 21, 1960, to Burton and Garnet Goranson, and raised in Mazeppa, alongside her 12 siblings. She met the love of her life, Dennis Albers of Zumbrota, and together they built a beautiful marriage and a home filled with laughter, generosity, and unconditional love. Their greatest blessings in life were their three children – Christopher, Colleen, and Holly.
If there was one role Sheila cherished most, it was being Grandma. Her five grandchildren — Lilly, Addisyn, Isla, Maverick, and Kixton (and honorary granddaughter, Carly) — brought her endless happiness. She celebrated every milestone, treasured every visit, and delighted in spoiling them whenever she could. Nothing made her smile brighter than being surrounded by her grandchildren, and they knew without question how deeply they were loved.
Family was the center of Sheila’s world. She treasured the family she was born into just as much as the one she and Denny created together. She was never happier than when the chairs of her kitchen table were occupied by the people she loved. When visitors came to the Albers Farm, they weren’t just welcomed and cared for – Sheila made sure her house became home.
Sheila was proud to lead a life of service. She was always the first to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or quietly put someone else’s needs ahead of her own. Even in her final days, her greatest concern remained making sure everyone else was okay.
She also found tremendous professional fulfillment as a surgical technician at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, where she faithfully served patients and colleagues with warmth, kindness, and her ever-present smile for more than 40 years.
Retirement suited Sheila beautifully. She and Denny enjoyed taking drives together, especially their annual trips to Arizona each winter. She looked forward to weekly outings with friends, afternoons spent playing Bingo and Bunco, and every opportunity to gather with family. Where Sheila went, joy followed. Her smile really did light up a room, and it was rare to catch her in anything but good spirits.
Sheila loved to craft and sew, and regularly lent her talents to the many projects dreamed up by Denny and Chris. She collected cookie jars and glass shoes, never passed up a good sale, and seldom came home empty-handed when there were grandchildren to spoil. Christmas was her favorite season, and she delighted in hosting family celebrations that created memories her loved ones will cherish forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Garnet Goranson; her brothers, Burt, LeRoy, and Lee Goranson; her sister, Zelda; her brother-in-law, Scott; her parents-in-law, Harlem and Corinne Albers; and her grandson, Lincoln.
Sheila is lovingly survived by her husband, Dennis Albers; her son, Christopher Albers; her daughters, Colleen (Jacob) Timm and Holly (Benjamin) Pickard; her grandchildren, Lilly, Addisyn, Isla, Maverick, and Kixton; her siblings, Shirley Webster, Patti Goranson, Raymond (Cheryl) Goranson, Yolie (Russ) Donley, Linda Goranson, Debbie (Ken Dubriel) Carrier, Zola (Rod) Harvey, and Dale (Mary) Goranson; and sisters-in-law, Nan Goranson and Nancy Goranson, along with countless extended family members, dear friends, and everyone whose life was made brighter simply by knowing her.
A visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodhue, followed by services at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will then be hosted at W.D.z2 in Mazeppa. Like Sheila’s kitchen table, all are welcome.
Sheila’s legacy is the love she freely gave to everyone around her. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed – every day – and loved forever.
