Obituary: Anna Iona Alber

Anna Iona Alber (March 31, 1930 – January 29, 2026)

Anna Iona Alber, 95, of Manchester, Mich., passed away peacefully Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Evangelical Home in Saline, Mich. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

She was born on March 31, 1930, in Jefferson Township, Mich., to Alfred and Lola (Swyheart) Way. Anna married the love of her life, the late Nathan “Al” Alber, on August 23, 1952, in Manchester, Mich. She will be remembered always as “Apple Annie.” Prior to marriage, Anna was a candy striper for U of M Hospital, and was employed at Hoover Ball and Bearing. After her marriage to Nathan “Al” Alber, she worked tirelessly with Al on the family farm, orchard, and cider mill. After retirement she gave much of her time to the Saline Community Hospital Auxiliary until its closing. Anna was a member of the Emanuel United Church of Christ for many years and a longtime supporter of the community, especially the fire department, helping them to purchase necessary equipment. Above all, Anna was completely devoted to her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Anna is survived by her children, Pamela (Gary) Hughes and Michael (Sandy) Alber; grandchildren, Dan, Andrea, Michelle, Emily, Alisha, and Philip; and great-grandchildren, Mailey, Madison, Aiden, Chloe, Jayden, Kylie, and Alexander; Sandy, Trevor, and Tristan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Lola; her husband, Nathan; four sisters, Alice, Ruth, Edith, and Jane; and a brother, Clarence.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dutchmen Firefighters Association. Please leave a message of comfort for Anna’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.