Joan Marie Albers

Joan Marie Albers
Alton - Joan Marie Albers passed away at 5:45 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at her residence being held by her husband until the end under the compassionate and loving care of OSF St. Anthony's Hospice after a courageous years-long battle with MSA-P, a rare neurological disease.
She was born on September 19, 1936 in Alton, IL to Arthur J. and Elisabeth (Wickenhauser) Albers.
She married Stephen Wayne Sands on August 8, 1992 at St. Margaret's of Scotland, St. Louis, MO.
Joan is survived by her husband, Stephen Sands; daughter, Teresa (Edmund) Tockstein-Lecasse of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Stephanie of Seattle, WA; great-granddaughter, Calypso of Seattle, WA; brothers, Donald J. Albers of St. Clairsville, OH, Richard G. Albers of Oconomowoc, WI, James (Ginny) Albers of Bonney Lake, WA., John Albers (Santica Marcovina) of Bremerton, WA.; sister-in-law, Sue Spears of Morton, IL., sister-in-law, Kim (Bernell) McCormick of Queen Creek, AZ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Victoria Albers, brother, Robert J. Albers; sister-in-law, Victoria Albers; sister-in-law, Marsha Harmon
Joan attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and Marquette Catholic High School. She enrolled in college at Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS (now Benedictine College) and studied Biology and Medical Technology. She graduated in three years and was the Valedictorian. She then received her ASCP MT certification and interned at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Joan then returned to Alton and worked in the laboratory at St. Joseph's Hospital for over 35 years until it closed. She then went on to Gateway Regional Medical Center and was the Blood Bank Supervisor for 32 years.
Joan enjoyed baking, cooking, reading, pets, Alton Muny Band concerts, Alton Symphony Orchestra concerts, Lucy Haskell birthday parties, wildflowers, wildlife, prairies, bird watching and walks in the woods. She and her husband camped in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park every year, hiked miles of trails and sat at the base of many waterfalls admiring nature. She enjoyed all national parks and kept logs of each trip. She loved historic homes, buildings and towns. She also dearly loved The Bridge Club Ladies and their luncheons. Most of all she loved her family.
Stephen would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr. Karna Sherwood, Neurologist (and Nurse Donna) who stuck with us through thick and thin. He was kind, caring, compassionate and always there. Words alone cannot express his sincerest gratitude. Additionally, Dr. Toniya Singh, Cardiologist, Dr. Christopher Abeid, Nephrologist, Dr. Bruce Vest, Orthopedic Surgeon and Dr. Murtuza Bahrainwala, GP were all part of her excellent medical team and to them I say THANK YOU. To all of the doctors, nurses and nursing staff at OSF St.Anthony's Health Center on 3rd Floor ICU, 2nd Floor Med-Surg wing and ER who cared for her during her numerous stays, THANK YOU. To Alton Memorial Rehab and Therapy Center nursing and staff, THANK YOU. To the Alton Fire Department for the many, many responses to our home, THANK YOU. To all the friends, neighbors and family who visited, brought by a meal, prayed for us or offered assistance in any way THANK YOU. To OSF St.Anthony's Hospice Care for their kind and loving final care of Joanie, THANK YOU.
Godspeed, Joanie, my friend, wife, lover, confidant, critic, staunchest supporter and moral compass. The pain and suffering have ended, rest in peace my love. I will always love you with my whole heart. Thank you for making my life so very fulfilled and whole.
Visitation will be May, 11, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Homes - Godfrey, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 12, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Chris Uhl, OMV, officiating.
Burial will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery immediately following the mass.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary's Capital Fund or Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA).
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.