With profound gratitude and heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of our cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and dear friend, Norma Virginia "Nonnie" Albert. Her remarkable longevity of 96 years reflected a steadfast spirit, sharp wit and infectious sense of humor that brought joy to countless people. Nonnie was the devoted custodian of family history, heirlooms, preserving three generations of historical documents, photographs, licenses, achievements, significant papers, and cherished trinkets. Caring for the graves of deceased family members and friends was a yearlong ritual for her. She faithfully raked, cleaned, and placed flowers on the gravesites, across three cemeteries, honoring loved ones with quiet dedication.

Born on a Tuesday, July 23, 1929, in Rolla, ND, Norma Virginia Olson affectionately known as "Nonnie" was the youngest of six siblings. She was the daughter of Virginia McCloud Olson and Edward Olson.

After losing her mother at a young age, much of Nonnie's upbringing was under the loving care of her grandmother, Marguerite LaFournaise McLeod, affectionately referred to in her Native culture as Waketakamakoquay meaning Swampy Woman. During her formative years, Nonnie attended St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota and her siblings Mae and Clifford attended Chemawa Indian School in Oregon and Ella and Victor attended Rapid City Indian School in Rapid City, South Dakota. Nonnie demonstrated exceptional academic ability and consistently achieved high marks. She graduated from eighth grade at St. Joseph's Indian School and later continued her high school education in Stephan, South Dakota and Rolla Public School.

In 1947, Nonnie married Fayes Albert. Together, they made their home in Belcourt, North Dakota, where they raised their family. A devoted mother of seven children all of whom pursued higher education, Nonnie dedicated her life to supporting and encouraging her family. Her professional life reflected her strong work ethic and commitment to service. She held a variety of roles, including census taker, proprietor of Belcourt Tastee Freeze, US Postal mail clerk, and ultimately US Postmaster. Serving the patrons at Belcourt Post Office brought her immense joy. After 35 years of dedicated service, she retired gracefully from the postal service.

Nonnie deeply cherished time spent with family and eagerly anticipated gatherings and traveling with loved ones. She and her husband, Fayes spent many winters in the southwest. Some of her most treasured memories were shared with the Kade and Evelyn Albert family, especially at family gatherings. Though she often said she learned to cook later in life, Nonnie became an exceptional baker and cook, generously sharing her cooking and recipes with others.

An avid reader, Nonnie stayed well informed about international, national, and regional news. She always had a book close at hand, regularly sharing reading materials with others, and was a frequent patron of the Rolla Public Library. Crossword puzzles were a daily routine, especially enjoying those found in the daily newspaper. Gaming was another favorite pastime, whether she ventured to Las Vegas, visiting local casinos, playing games with family, or enjoying games on her iPad. She particularly enjoyed games of chance and even won a car.

Guided by quiet faith and deep personal values of integrity, respect, and honor, Nonnie lived a life grounded by unwavering principles. She was baptized on May 8, 1937, at St Ann's Catholic Church by Reverend Joseph Spyer, with Lars Kenny and Evelyn Jeanotte serving as her sponsors. Her first Communion and Confirmation was celebrated at St. Joseph's Indian School.

She is survived by her children; Beverly Witt, Grand Forks, North Dakota, Anna Fischer, (Roy) Paradise Valley, Arizona, Margie Morin, (Leigh Jeanotte) Grand Forks, North Dakota and Debbie Albert, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Grandchildren Chad Mueller, Fargo, North Dakota, Robin Covert, (Rikki) Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brooke Ratliff, (Ronald) Albuquerque, New Mexico, and great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Nonnie was preceded in death by her husband Fayes Albert, daughters Linda Albert and Kerry Mueller, and a son Raymond Albert, son-in-law Ron Witt, her parents Edward and Virginia McCloud Olson, her sisters Mae Fassett, Ella Lewis and Lucille Manbeck, and brothers Clifford Olson and Victor Olson.

The family extends our sincere appreciation to HIA Hospice for the exceptional care and medical support provided to Nonnie.

Memorials may be made to St. Ann's School, 1115 Louis Riel Drive, Belcourt North Dakota, Rolla Public Library, 14 First Street SE, Rolla, North Dakota, HIA Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt, North Dakota. The rosary is scheduled for 9:00 am and the funeral mass at 10:00 am. Burial services will take place in the Spring 2026.