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.z 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.
I am so sorry to hear this. All my love goes out to Zola and the rest of Sheila’s family.
I’m saddened by Sheila’s passing. She was a hard worker and passionate about her job. I only got to work with her a short 10 years but in that time she helped me out a lot! My deepest sympathies to your entire family.
Our sympathies in Sheila passing…your family made many fond memories to cherish..may God give you strength to carry on..
Our sympathies to Sheila family in her passing…You made many fond memories to cherish..may God give you the strength you need to heal in your loss .
We are deeply sorry for the loss of Sheila. Reflecting on our visits with the Albers, we are filled with gratitude for the immense warmth and hospitality they always extended to us. Both Sheila and Denny have a rare gift for making everyone feel completely at home and we will forever treasure the gift of their genuine friendship.
Love and prayers to Zola and the family! Sheila’s smile and laughter will live on I. Many of us! RIP Sheila
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. We had a great time getting to know Sheila when she and Denny came to Arizona last winter. Our prayers are to find comfort for Denny, Christopher, Colleen and Holly and the entire family.
Sheila was a kind soul. God has welcomed a genuine angel. She was truly loved and loved those close to her. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
The Goranson’s have always been family to the VanDeWalker family of Mazeppa it’s hard losing a loved one. Sheila was such a sweet loving soul so dedicated to her family and a joy to everyone she met. Her life touched so many other people that no one who ever crossed paths with her will ever forget her natural love of life and energy to fulfill it with laughter and meaning. Sheila you are sadly missed but your beautiful soul will live on through all the wonderful memories you shared with everyone you knew. Love you forever.
I am so sorry to hear about Sheila. She was a good information source to me when I started work at St Mary’s. She was a strong, knowledgeable, caring woman. Sympathy and prayers to her family. ❤️
Sending thoughts & prayers of sympathy to Sheila’s family. She was a very kind & thoughtful person. She will be missed . Blessings to the family & friends at this sad time.
So sorry to hear of Sheila’s death. Prayers to Zola and Sheila’s family during this difficult time. Sheila always had a smile on her face and she would just glow when speaking about her family. All of you were her everything. Hold tight to all your great memories with Sheila.
Sheila was a hoot with an infectious smile and laugh! Love of family was definitely her priority, but she extended this to all of the patients she encountered, and was an excellent mentor to new employees. Sheila…so many will miss you, but no one will ever forget you! Peace
My deepest condolences to the Goranson family in the Albers family. Sheila will be missed greatly by her family and community. She was a lovely person when I knew her in school. May she become your angel watching over all of you.
My sincere condolences to Sheila’s entire family! She was that bright light we all gravitated toward! I knew her through working in surgery and I just remember her huge smile and infectious laugh! She will be missed by so many! Find comfort in all your memories of her!!
My sincerest condolences to Denny and the kids. As well as all the extended family. I pray you find peace and comfort in a tough time.