Peacefully passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Beloved mother of Mary-Jane Beauchesne and Randy Lundrigan. Cherished daughter of Debbie Lapping and Randy Long. Adored sister of Ann Russell and Christian Long. Beautiful best friend of Sharon Bringleson-Brennan. Reunited with her grandparents Mary-Jane McDonald and Jerome George McDonald. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. And welcomed with open arms by those in heaven in which her heart has yearned for all these years.
April was a joyful spiritual woman. She had a heart of gold and never missed the opportunity to help those in need, especially people she cared for. She was a fearless protector for whom she loved and always when it came to her children. In other words, she resembled the core definition of what it means to be a Mama Bear. She laughed hard, she cried hard, she fought hard but most of all she loved hard. She made sure everyone around her understood what it felt to be loved unconditionally and without judgement. She wore her heart on her sleeve or more so her cheek. The heart tattoo she had on her cheek was a resemblance for the many lives she touched throughout the span of her lifetime. She was a true native woman who loved to embrace her culture, she expressed it throughout her artwork and the beautifully crafted traditional native clothing and jewelry she would wear. She had a fierce taste for fashion revolving anything animal print, shiny, bedazzled or colourful. Though she grew up a tomboy who would smoke anyone in sports. She had the most memorable laugh and her bubbly demeanour uplifted all those around her. She was an angel on earth who is now sent back to heaven. She will forever continue to protect those she loves from up above. A true guardian angel.
Friends and family are invited to gather at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 11 am until 12 pm in remembrance of April. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions made payable by cheque or online may be made to Women in Crisis, the Canadian Mental Health Association, St. Vincents Place or the Soup Kitchen in April's honour would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Long family.