Vivian Helena Albers

Vivian Helena von Minden Albers, age 97, passed away on Thursday, August 29th, 2024. She was born November 6th, 1926, in the Lester Hotel in La Grange, Texas, the daughter of Arthur Herman von Minden (who owned the hotel) and Florence Elizabeth Stansbury von Minden.

She graduated from La Grange High School, and married her high school sweetheart Morris Edward Albers on December 19th, 1946 (after he had returned from Europe, where he had served as a reconnaisance troop commander in the 13th Armored Division). A few days after their wedding, she graduated from Texas State College for Women (now TWU), with a degree in bacteriology.

She loved learning and reading and sharing her knowledge. She taught English to the cadets at the Imperial Iranian Air Force Academy in Tehran, Iran, and upon return to the United States, volunteered as a docent at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, especially enjoying teaching the visiting school children.

After Morris’ retirement, they had the opportunity to travel, and went on a number of history tours—but their main focus was for religious pilgrimages, visiting the Holy Land, Rome, Assisi, Fatima, Lourdes, and many others.

She sacrificed for her family and always placed her husband and her family’s needs first, always there to help with grandchildren and whatever else needed to be done. She never sought the spotlight or attention but was always there for her family. She was strong in her Catholic faith, and truly lived the example of quiet love and service of others.

She is survived by her children: Morris Edward Albers II and his wife Linda of La Grange, Texas; Moira Kathleen Seyle and her husband Mike of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary Michele Britt and her husband Royce Marion of Wheeler, Texas; Margaret Elise Oliver and her husband Chris of Anchorage, Alaska; and James Herman Albers and his wife Kathy of Temple. She has ten grandchildren: Jill Glick and husband Matthew of Kaufman, Texas; Conor Seyle and wife Amanda of Denver, Colorado; Brien Seyle and wife Bridget of St. Louis, Missouri; Erin Doom and husband Shawn of Kansas City, Missouri; Jacob Britt and wife Ann of Wheeler, Texas; Joshua Britt and wife Vanita of Wheeler, Texas; Christopher Oliver of Seattle, Washington; Nicholas Oliver of Anchorage, Alaska; Hannah Biggins and husband Chris of College Station, Texas; and Rebecca Doak and husband Andrew of Taylor, Texas; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Arthur Cris von Minden and wife Annazell of La Grange. She was preceded in death by her husband COL Morris Albers, daughter Patricia Marie Albers, grandson 1LT Ben Britt (US Army), son-in-law David Britt, and her parents Arthur Herman and Florence Elizabeth von Minden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church or School, 1019 S.7th St., Temple, Texas 76504; Holy Trinity Catholic High School, 6608 West Adams Ave., Temple, Texas 76502; or Sacred Heart Catholic Church or School, 545 E. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas 78945.