With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved April. She passed away on June 30 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

April was born on April 1, 1949 in Novato, to Stan and Lorraine Crandall. She grew up there, and later in Petaluma, with her two sisters, Cathy and Deni. As a teenager, April was active in the service organization Rainbow Girls, where she rose through the leadership ranks to become Worthy Advisor. After high school she trained as a medical assistant and worked in San Francisco.

In the late 1960s April met and married her lifelong partner, Marc. They welcomed their son, Michael in 1969 while living in Sacramento. Soon after, they moved to Humboldt County and in 1970 their daughter Jennifer was born. Fourteen years later their son Joey completed the family.

April dedicated her life to caring for her family and community. When Marc began his teaching career at Casterlin Elementary School in 1974, April was by his side and working with him tirelessly. She worked at the school in many capacities, including custodian, teacher’s aide and school secretary. She volunteered countless hours organizing fund raisers and school events. Her Halloween Carnivals and Winter Festivals were legendary. 

April also supported the community by researching and writing grants to implement valuable services such as the Healthy Start Community Center and the annual Silent Santa program. In addition, she and Marc often opened their home to friends and community members who needed a helping hand. 

April was the ultimate friend and hostess. At every holiday her table was crowded with family, friends, laughter and love. She was also an incredible gardener who dedicated many hours to filling her yard with beautiful flowers. She was kind, generous, creative, resourceful and compassionate. 

April is survived by her husband Marc, her sister Deni and family; her son Michael Wilson and his wife Sandra; her daughter Jennifer Stevens and her husband Matt; her son Joey Wilson; Laura Doyle and Eric Abrey; her beloved grandchildren Jordan, Cameron, Eva, Nataly, Brenna, Serenna, Piper, Gavin, Leon, Blake, Alice, Lyla, Chevy and Leo; and many nieces, nephews and family friends.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of April Wilson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.