April Catherine Chappell (née Percy)

Peacefully, passed away at home, with family by her side in London, Ontario, on Monday, October 31, 2022, in her 84th year. Life-long partner of husband Wilf Chappell. Beloved mother of Andrea Emery (Brian Van de Vooren), Tina Chappell (Melissa Mask), and Ian Chappell (Lynn Paterson Chappell). Grandmother of Matthew Emery, Luke Van de Vooren (D), Sarah Van de Vooren (Derrick), Kyle Van de Vooren (Melissa), Rachel Ramdas (Rishi), Katie Brown (Ryan), Dallas Batten. Aunt of Janet Humphrey-Engelhardt (Stephen). Great-Aunt of Colleen Engelhardt, Allison Engelhardt, Dillon Engelhardt. Dear friend of Wendie Gray. Predeceased by sister Pat Humphrey (Ron (D)). Predeceased by loving parents Lillian Percy (nee Lewis) and Charles Percy.

April will be regarded as the catalyst for bringing family together during holidays or on a weekend to play various card games; poker, bridge, frustration, and hand and foot were among her favourites. Boxing Day and Family Day were gaming days for the Chappell family. The Dunlop and Harth families will remember many fun times together including “coffee on the deck,” “Pimm’s days,” and even digging out of major snow storms together.

April followed her sister, Patricia, to Canada in 1960. She worked various jobs throughout her life, including as an Air Force Radar Operator in England, but her favourite was that of a Mother. She always dreamed of being an actress and she realized that dream in 1980 when she auditioned for her first play at the London Community Players (LCP). That first play started a long and memorable career in the amateur theater world. She went on to perform many roles over the years at various venues across Southwestern Ontario. April made community wherever she went and had many friends from her theatre community and her involvement with the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL).

After retiring as the property manager at Western’s Research Park, April became more involved in her condo community at The Gainsborough; she was on the Resident’s board and involved in myriad activities from coffee mornings to poker games to Wii bowling. She maintained relationships with lifetime friends keeping up with regular “liver and onions” lunches with some, dinners with others, and poker and bridge nights. In her free time, or non-scheduled time, she was an avid knitter and donated hats and scarves to Mission Services and the Red Scarf Campaign for the Aids Network.

April was committed to the education of medical and nursing students by participating as a Standardized Patient in the Clinical Skills Learning Program at Western University. For many years, April served as an actor who portrayed varied patient profiles with specific symptoms that medical students had to engage with to diagnose and treat as part of their learning and final examinations. It was her wish that after death, her body be donated to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Western University where she will continue to help with medical student education.

There is a void that was filled with the vibrant personality, quick wit, and irreverent sense of humour from this straight-shooting British lady who gave her all to raising her family, welcoming new family members, and celebrating the accomplishments of treasured grandson, Matthew Emery. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

We would also like to thank the health care providers who helped April leave this world on her own terms. Dr. Jim McLean is a kind and empathetic man who brought an immense sense of peace to April in her final days and moments. He has a special way of putting everyone at ease and is a gifted storyteller. Thanks also to Dr. Johnson and Nurse Alicia for their kindness and expertise. We are forever grateful for the MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) legislation that our country has.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to say a few words about April. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of April are asked to consider London Community Players or MAiDHouse (Toronto).