Obituary of Ilse Albers

Ilse T. Albers, 89, of Queens, NY, entered the Church Triumphant to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 9, 2021. Above all, Ilse's faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her faith never wavered, constantly reassuring family and friends that all was well and remaining stoic until the very end. A funeral service will be held at Weigand Brothers Funeral home Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Vetrano of The Life Lutheran Church officiating. Visitation will be held at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

Ilse was born to August and Alwine (nee Busch) Thode in 1931. She completed her undergraduate education at Queens College, City University of New York in 1953 and earned a Master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. She proudly began her teaching career at parochial schools before embarking upon her 40+ year journey at P.S. 17 in Astoria, NY. 

Ilse was called to educate and believed that all children deserve an equal and equitable learning environment for the opportunity to grow into their vocation as educators, scientists, engineers, writers, etc. In honor of her life's calling and 50+ years in education, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in "Memory of Ilse Albers" to The Education Fund at THE LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, a fund that assists children with tuition for Lutheran Education. Donations can be made securely online at www.thelifeny.org or mail to:

The Life Lutheran Church

1 Old Westbury Road

Old Westbury, NY 11568

Memorial contributions may also be made to Godparents for Tanzania, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for African students to attend secondary school, vocational training, and college. Learn more and donate securely online at www.godparents4tz.org. Donations can also be mailed to Godparents for Tanzania, 3201 Edwards Mill Rd, Suite 141, Raleigh NC 27612.

Ilse is survived by her daughter, Lynn Albers of Garden City, four Godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved very much. She is preceded in death by her husband, Grover Albers; parents, August and Alwine Thode; sisters and brothers from her Christian family.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude for the support of friends, family, and colleagues both near and far. Special thanks to Pastor Vetrano and Vicar Brian of The Life Lutheran Church where a memorial service will be held later in the year.