Ragnhild Laila Alberga

Schenectady- Ragnhild Laila Alberga, 88, a longtime resident of Oakwood Ave., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Centre in Albany after a long illness. Born in Troy on April 24, 1937, Laila was the youngest daughter of Frank and Asta Pedersen Olsen, first generation Norwegian immigrants. Laila grew up in West Stephentown, NY and was a 1955 graduate of the Averill Park High School. After graduating High School, she moved to Troy working for Pioneer Savings Bank and Fitzgerald Bros. Construction.

Laila graduated with honors from Albany Business School in 1962. She met and married her late husband in 1965 and moved to Schenectady where she resided until after his death in 2021.

After the birth of her children Laila became a stay-at-home mom where she was a loving mother and supported her children’s activities. She made birthday cakes, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes for classroom birthday celebrations and Saturday night were for pancakes when the “men folk” were off on boy scout camping trips. Whether it was concerts, parades, or marching band shows, dance recitals, or baton competitions, she was always there to cheer on her children. She was a willing participant in games of Rack-O or Trivial Pursuit.

Laila was always giving back to her community. She was active in the 1st Presbyterian Church Schenectady, Bible Study and Youth for Christ. Along with her late husband Laila was active in the Boy Scouts of America serving on various Council positions in the late 1970’s and 80’s where she also received several awards for her service. Laila was a tireless member of the Mount Pleasant High School Band Booster Club until they folded.

After devoting herself as a stay-at-home mom she went to work first as a lunch room monitor at the former Mont Pleasant High School and then as a switchboard operator at SCCC.

Laila enjoyed music especially Harry Belafonte, Roger Whittaker, Barbara Streisand and Helmut Lotti. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she enjoyed Norwegian music, and the Christmas tree always had a bit of Scandinavian decorations. She enjoyed Lawrence Welk, western square dancing with the Electric City Twirlers, international folk music and dance, visiting friends and family and was especially proud of her grandsons’ athletic accomplishments.

Laila was the sister of the late Thelma Tomlinson.

Survivors include her sons Kristofer Alberga of Vermontville, NY, Karl Alberga of Marcy, NY, her daughter Karin Alberga Watervliet and her grandchildren Jacob, Patrick, Abigail and Zoe Alberga

Relatives and friends are invited and may call 5-6:30 on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake Averill Park.

A funeral service will follow at 6:30 with her nephew Rev. Trygve Tomlinson officiating.

Interment Hillside Cemetery West Stephentown.

If desired the family request donations in memory of Ragnhild Laila Alberga may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church 215 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12305.

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.