Betty Albers

Betty Albers passed away September 10, 2026, peacefully at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, service, and devotion to family. While she held many meaningful roles throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being a mother. Born in Oneonta NY, Betty earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, where she danced and performed her way into people’s hearts. Valuing education and following the independent spirit of her mother, she earned her master’s degree from Purdue University as the foundation for her career and volunteer work. At Purdue, she met the man who would become her beloved husband, Henry. With the support of their family members, they created a life centered around family, community, and service. Following many years of dancing, gatherings in the neighborhood, and exploring together, he preceded her in death. Both her personal life and her work life demonstrated her commitment to community, especially promoting children’s well-being and education. Professionally, she enjoyed many happy and fulfilling years as a speech pathologist at the Pomona Mental Health Complex Child Development Center, where she made a difference in the lives of countless children. She served as a vestry member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and was involved in numerous efforts to support children and families. She was a founding member of West Street Day Care and was an active member of the PTA. Even after retirement, her commitment to helping others continued through her work as a guardian ad litem. A dedicated member of her community, she believed in the inherent worth of every person and lived her life with an open mind. After retiring, she moved to Sarasota, where she enjoyed many wonderful years in the warmth and sunshine. Her wanderlust led her around the world, creating cherished memories with beloved friends. In New York and Sarasota, her hand-written calendar was full of the arts events; she loved ballet and Barishnikov; collected paintings and insisted on going to the Frick’s reopening; and felt moved to tears at the sound of music in churches, concerts, and her family’s performances. A passionate reader with her own marking system to rate the books she read, she continued to read her two paper newspapers until her final days. Above all else, family was the center of her life. She was an incredible mother to her three daughters, Amy Albers (husband Michael Perlman), Heidi Albers (husband Clay Johnson) and Taya Albers—always ready to listen, always generous with her time and love, and always excited to just be together. Her daughters will forever treasure the wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love she gave them. She was a beloved grandmother to her five grandchildren, Blair, Shelby (husband Joe), Nate, Jasper and Marlo, who brought her immense joy and pride. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and her deepest source of happiness. The loving spark of Betty is undeniably part of her daughters and grandchildren. Always ahead of her time, she will be remembered for her generous spirit, her compassion for others, her dedication to her community, and, most of all, the extraordinary love she gave her family. She will be deeply missed. Family was always at the center of her world—and she was at the center of theirs. A memorial service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Pearl River, 84 Ehrhardt Rd, Pearl River, NY 10965, on Saturday September 19th at 2:00 p.m. The family welcomes memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.