IN LOVING MEMORY OF CYNTHIA MARIE “TIPPER” ALBERTS March 7, 1948 – August 28, 2026

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

- I’m Free is a beautiful funeral poem by Anne Lindgren Davison

Cynthia Marie Alberts, lovingly known by many as “Tipper,” was born on March 7, 1948, in Fort Totten, North Dakota. She journeyed peacefully from this life on August 28, 2026. Tipper was a beloved member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Oyate and, above all, a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Tipper attended Catholic school and later graduated from high school in Maddock, North Dakota, in 1966. She continued her education and proudly graduated from Cankdeska Cikina Community College in 2008.

Tipper was the proud and devoted mother of four children: James Alberts Sr., Lorraine Alberts, Tracy Alberts, and Lori Alberts. One of the greatest joys in her life was her family. She was the heartbeat of the family; the person who helped bring everyone together and whose love created memories that will be carried forward for generations.

Tipper was known for being outspoken, loving, caring, and strong-willed. She never hesitated to speak her mind. She could be fiery and rambunctious, and when she believed something needed to be said, she said it. Beneath that bold and unforgettable personality was a heart filled with love for her family, friends, and community.

She was actively involved in her community and regularly attended district meetings. Tipper was never afraid to question tribal government leaders, challenge decisions, or raise her voice when she believed something was not right. She cared deeply about the people of Spirit Lake and wanted the best for her community. Whether people agreed with her or not, they always knew when Tipper was in the room.

Tipper spent much of her life caring for others. As she liked to say, “I pretty much raised damn near everyone on this rez.” That statement captured both her humor and the important role she played in the lives of so many people.

Her brothers and sisters held a special place in her heart. They were a close-knit family who always found ways to support one another. Like many siblings, they did not always agree, but their love and loyalty remained strong. Tipper enjoyed keeping in touch with her siblings, spending time with family, and sharing the stories and laughter that connected them throughout their lives.

In her free time, Tipper enjoyed going to the casino, playing bingo, attending Elders Day Out, and raising a little heck at district meetings. She especially loved taking her great-granddaughter Julianna to town when she got paid and letting her get whatever she wanted. Those outings brought Tipper great happiness and created memories that Julianna and the family will always treasure.

Tipper had a way of making her presence known and leaving a lasting impression on everyone around her. Her laughter, strength, honesty, and unforgettable personality will live on through her family and all those who knew and loved her. Although Tipper is no longer physically with us, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the strength she carried will continue to bring comfort to her family. Her unmistakable spirit will never be forgotten.

Cynthia is survived by her children, James Alberts Sr., Lorraine Alberts, and Tracy Alberts; her grandchildren, Renae Alberts, James Alberts Jr, Miranda Alberts, Amanda Alberts, Dakota Alberts, Kayla Alberts, Shania Longie, Dancia Greybear, Gabby Mudgett, Tyler Longie, TJ Longie, Ashley Longie, Brett Alberts, and Lashawn Alberts; more than 15 great-grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews: Brian Alberts, Tammy Smith, Vonnie Jo Alberts, Vicki Alberts, Alyssa Alberts, Frank Lohnes Jr. (“Pumpkin”), Tanya Lohnes, Joe Alberts Jr. (“Baby Joe”), Jolene Alberts, Jessica Alberts, Jennifer Alberts, Jason Alberts Sr., Jeremy Alberts, Jewel Alberts, and Henry Alberts.

She was preceded in death by her lifelong partner, Frank Redroad; her daughter, Lori Alberts; her grandson, MJ Herman; her granddaughter, Jamie Alberts; her father, Ronald Alberts Sr.; her mother, Victoria Twiggs Alberts; her sisters, Myra Oksie Lohnes and Julianne Alberts; and her brothers, Thomas Alberts, Ronald Alberts, Joe “Little Joe” Alberts, and Henry Alberts; her niece, Billie Joe Smith; and her nephew, Dave “Baby Dave” Smith Jr. and her cousin Cookie Delorme.

Pallbearers will be Brett Alberts, Brian Alberts, Brandon Alberts, James Alberts Jr., Aaron Cavanaugh, Dakota Alberts, and Tracy Alberts.

Honorary pallbearers will be Paulva Shaw Snow, Vicki Alberts, Brenn Alberts, Breena Alberts, Arika Ree Alberts-Denny, Marc and Vanessa Littleghost, Jessica Alberts, Shelby Ducheneaux, Allis and Dallas Dogskin, and Vonnie Jo Alberts

Some of Tipper’s dearest friends include Debbie Adams, Josie and Clarice Lawrence and family, Sissy and Josie McKay, Darlene Wadsworth, Joanne Jackson, Loretta Delorme and family, Lonna Street, Rena Lohnes, Arlene Belgarde and family, Diane Lohnes and Cheryl Laducer and family. If we forgot to name anyone it was not intentional. Tipper knew everyone and loved you all.

Burial will take place at the Alberts Family Cemetery in St. Michael, North Dakota.

Music will be provided by Kris White, Leora Fox White and the Lake Region Singers. All Drum Groups are welcome to share their songs in memory of Tipper.

The Wake for Cynthia will be on Monday, September 7, 2026 at St. Michael's Wellness Center with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave on Monday at 4:00 p.m. from City Plaza, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with burial in the Alberts Family Cemetery.