Louise C. Albertson

Louise Cuzdey Albertson, born Louise Mary Canali, 84, of West Coxsackie, passed away July 3rd, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. Louise is preceded in death by her father Gilbert Canali Sr. and her mother Clara Canali Sallad, husband Leroy H. Albertson, Sr., granddaughter Alisa Rose Cuzdey, brothers Gilbert Canali Jr and Victor Canali, niece Karen Canali Brooks and son Michael J. Cuzdey III. Louise is survived by her sisters, Donna J. Canali and Maria E. Shafer, her children Patrick Cuzdey, Adam (Rachel) Cuzdey, Noele Routh, Gilbert (Hiroe) Cuzdey, Vincent Cuzdey, Johanna Zee, Joseph (Barbara) Cuzdey, Wesley (Jennifer) Cuzdey, Joshua (Ellen) Cuzdey, step-children Leroy Albertson Jr (Deborah), Larry (Bob) Albertson, and Sandra (Luckey) Miller, over 50 grandchildren and great- grandchildren, 2 nieces and a nephew. As if being a mother to 10 children did not keep her busy enough, Louise was a pro-life activist, as a director of Birthright of Albany, and active with New York State Right to Life. She participated in marches, demonstrations, gave speeches, workshops, was often on the radio, and received national media attention. Louise loved children and animals, not wanting to see any of them suffer. She often contributed finances and her time to protect them, including organizing fundraisers for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation, and various other charities. She took the role of Emma the Clown to entertain sick children and nursing home residents. In 1972, she authored a Children’s book, Animals, Short Tales for Children. As a young mom, she worked in hospitals, and in her later years, was a Hospice volunteer. Louise loved to travel, and often took one or more of her children on road trips or excursions. From day hikes to visiting relatives in Italy, she enjoyed exploring new places. Soon after becoming a single mother with few resources, she knew she had to do better for her children so she enrolled in Albany Business College. Graduating with an Associates Degree, she became a legal secretary, and subsequently a paralegal until her retirement at 70. Finding herself without dependent children, Louise started Weezy’s, a craft business traveling to shows and festivals, selling her own handmade goods, Christian t-shirts, and stoneware. Extended family and her heritage were important to Louise. She helped organize large family reunions and was a member of the Italian American Community Center. As an avid reader of non-fiction books, she was always striving to learn and know the truth of people and events. Her political activism went beyond the pro-life movement, often advocating for prison reform, mental health services, and other issues, always with compassion at the forefront. In the 1970’s, Louise, along with a friend, even sued the school district when she felt a social studies program was age inappropriate, receiving international support. We will honor Louise’s life on Thursday July 9th from 9-11 am at W.C Brady’s Funeral Home, 97 Mansion St, Coxsackie, with a time for sharing from 10:30-11 am, and burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider a contribution in memory of Louise to a local animal shelter, Birthright of Albany, or Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Albany.

Louise C. Albertson

February 20, 1942 - July 3, 2026