It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, partner and sister April Lewis on January 27, 2024 at the age of 61. Born in Toronto ON, to Allison Patrick and Stan Bradshaw. Eldest sister to Robin Thomas, Christa Patrick, and David Patrick. Devoted partner to Leslie Paulding of London. Mother to four beautiful children; Brandy Fournier (Jamie), Shawn Lewis (Michelle), Shaylynn Fletcher, and Jesy Muise (Matthew). Grandmother to 13 wonderful grandchildren; Cody, Chandler, Destiny, Cassidy, Emily, Colten, Aiden, Alice, Ava, Alivia, Memphys, Greydon and Maximus. Great-grandmother to sweet Violet and Atlas. She will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews.
April had a deep love of music, crafting and especially her indigenous culture; embracing and missing her home, Serpent River First Nation in Cutler, Ontario. She always had plans to return to her childhood home and final resting place. April loved to bake and serve her community through traditional fry breads and desserts. Everyone was always welcome around her kitchen table, especially community members who did not have anywhere else to go. April was able to create deep, meaningful connections with those around her and could always bring laughter to a dark room. Her grandchildren meant absolutely everything to her along with her fur baby Charlie!
She always danced to the beat of her own drum and believed rules were (at times) made to be broken. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. April, we all wish you well on your journey back to the spirit world, Baamaapii (Until we see you again).
Cremation has taken place as per April’s wishes and will be shared amongst a few loved ones while the remaining are laid to rest over her mothers resting place in Serpent River.
A small celebration of life will be held in honor of April on Saturday, March 9th at The Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre, Chelsea Room, 591 Wellington Rd, London. Close family and friends are invited to arrive by noon, a short ceremony will commence at 1:00 PM with a small luncheon to follow. Cremation & Celebrations, ARVA entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Anova London’s Women’s Shelter or the Humane Society London Middlesex.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Michael says
Les and family,
My heart was broken when I heard of your passing. You were such an incredible woman and your heart and home was open to everyone. You went out of your way to help and make others feel better when you yourself were going through so much.
As much as I will miss you and you know I will not seeing that smile anymore it’s imprinted in my mind forever. You’re free and with your mom again and the hurting has stopped.
Rest peacefully knowing how much you were loved!
Thank you for being such a big part of my life I will always treasure that.
Caroline BigCanoe says
Deepest sympathies for your loss go out to all of April’s family and closest friends.
I will always have a special place in my heart for her beautiful spirit – a friend who took me under her wing like a big sister when our paths crossed in the town of Sutton West, Georgina in 1988. Thank you for the kindness, love and generosity you’d shown me then, as I was finding my way on my life’s journey as a teenager. I’ll never forget your valuable contribution to my life! So much love and gratitude for you -your strength and tenacity 💜 Blessings on your spirit journey- baamaapii!
Charmaine says
April I’m so glad you chose me as your babysitter and even more thankful your sweet son married my cousin. They are happy and your grandkids are so loved.
I hope you are looking down at us all and sending some sassiness, boldness and laughter. Rest easy.
Michelle Lewis says
Thank you April for always welcoming into your home and into your life. Thank you for your heartfelt dinners, your warm smile, and your laughter. Thank you for always accepting our life and our decisions even if you didn’t agree with them. Thank you for passing on all of your wonderful qualities to your son, your strength, your creativity, your humor and your style. I adore him and when I look at Shawn I will forever be reminded of you. You are now parts of our children too. May your journey from here be full of grace. Until we meet you once again, Baamaapii.
Carol Tobin says
Cassy, Colton, Emily, Aiden, Graydin and Max, my deepest sympathy. Your grama will now watch over you from the spirit world but live on in your hearts.
Condolences to Jesi on the loss of your mother, and Matt on the loss of your mother in law.
Cherish the good memories and joy you once shared.
Sincerely
Sandra Garvey says
Shawn I am so very sorry for your loss, she was a very cool and unique woman who was very proud of you a the life you created for your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time
Les Paulding says
Thank you for the life we had and shared, a part of myself is just not the same,I did not want you going so soon nor did I want to watch you suffering any longer, I miss your contagious laughter and your alluring smile,I will keep you in my heart until we meet again so we can continue our journey together once again. I’m taking care of our Charlie n she will go everywhere with me.
I MISS YOU PRETTY LADY
LES xoxoxo