Bonnie Albertson

BONNIE (SANDERSON) ALBERTSON

Spirit Lake

Bonnie (Sanderson) Albertson, 74, of Spirit Lake, died Sept. 1, 2017, at her daughter and son-in-law's cabin, a place dear to her heart. After an extended hospitalization and illness, she was placed on hospice a week prior. While there, she was visited by friends and family and surrounded by singing, story-telling, sunsets on the lake and boundless love. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at Mini-Wakan State Park in Spirit Lake followed by a celebration.

Bonnie spent most of her professional life in Anamosa and nearby communities. She taught speech at Anamosa Middle School, then pursued an MSW and worked as a school social worker with the Grant Wood AEA. She was an active member of the Democratic Party and the Lutheran church. And amidst it all, she was a devoted mother to her four children, Sonia, Kristin, Ross and Becky, and a friend to many. After retirement, she moved back to the Lakes region to take care of her mother. While there, she taught at Buena Vista University. In both her professional and personal life, she was known for her kindness and compassion.

Bonnie was a bright light in the world. She loved helping others. Her hobbies are too many to list. Suffice it to say that she loved life. She loved being creative. She loved cooking, the more the better. She was up for any adventure. And her greatest joy came from spending time with family and her family of friends.

Bonnie was a model of strength and courage throughout her life, especially in the last 14 years, during which she lived gracefully with chronic pain and Parkinson's disease. Through it all, she kept bringing light to this world. And those who got a glimpse of that light know what a blessing it was. "All you need is love," she sang in her final days. And she loved us all!

Memorial funds can be directed to the following organizations (please include "in tribute to Bonnie Albertson"): Hospice of Spencer Hospital, online at www.spencerhospital.org; The Michael J. Fox Foundation (for Parkinson's research) at www.michaeljfox.org; or Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc., helping families in need, Dickinson County Outreach, 1575, 18th St., Spirit Lake, IA 51360.