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BORN
1969
DIED
2010
April Gillespie Obituary
Funeral: Eucharist of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Fort Worth. Interment: Emerald Hills Memorial Park. Visitation: The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home with recitation of the rosary at 4 p.m.
Memorials: A nursing scholarship fund has been established in April's memory. In lieu of flowers, donations to the April Gillespie Scholarship Fund can be made at any Plains Capital Bank location, or a donation may be given to a favorite charity.
April was born Dec. 15, 1969, in Alvin. She married Robert on Dec. 14, 1996, after they met while working at a children's diabetes camp. She loved her job as a nurse at Children's Medical Center, caring for children with cancer. She also worked with terminal AIDS patients and many others. She was a role model for her colleagues and a tireless advocate for her patients. Her high ideals and her effervescent personality inspired all around her. She fought many medical problems of her own with dignity and courage, never surrendering to fear or despair. She received a kidney transplant from her husband and hoped to promote organ donation. She loved to travel, spend time with family and friends, and decorate for the holidays, especially Christmas.
April was preceded in death by her parents, James and Patricia Tracy.
Survivors: Husband, Robert; sisters, Shelley Ewing, Kim Horvath, Margaret Ownes and Mary Tracy; brothers, Patrick Tracy, James Tracy, Charles Tracy and Matthew Tracy; dozen of nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for April Gillespie
March 8, 2010
Dr. Gillespie and family of April. All of us at Cook Children's Medical Center are grieving the loss of your beautiful April. I wish I had known her. Please know that we are praying for you. I pray that God will give you the strength you need to bear this heartache. Dinah Cooke.
Deborah Beard
March 8, 2010
Rob, although we had not seen each other in years, it was always wonderful knowing you and April were only a phone call away. We feel truly blessed to have been a part of yours and April's life together. I'm not surprised to learn that she was an advocate for children with cancer and AIDS patients. She had such love,compassion and empathy for others. And you, always being the loving husband, gave April a kidney! That's true love alright, what a beautiful thing. As much as we all will miss April, she accomplished so much in her 40 years...more than many others will if they live to be 100. She touched so many lives and will always be remembered with a smile and thanksgiving. After these tears of shock and sadness are dried, I hope we all can be comforted by knowing that we now have an extra angel watching out for us. We'll never forget you, April, and are better people from having been a part of your life. You will always be in our hearts.
Elaine K.
March 7, 2010
Rob,
We send our deepest sympathies to you, and to all of April's sisters and brothers. You grieve a great and incomprehensible loss. May the beautiful memories you share bring some measure of comfort. And may all our wordless prayers reach April in heaven.
Betty Barr
March 7, 2010
Robert and I are so sad that April had to leave her earthly life at such a young age, though we can tell from your comments the she touched many lives along the way. She did make her "mark" in this world and is now with our Lord. That gives some comfort. Love Aunt Betty and Uncle Robert
Christi Cantu
March 7, 2010
Rob,
I was always inpspired by April's energetic spirit and vitality while struggling with the disease I share. I will always remember her. My prayers are with you.
Hebrews 13:5
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
Christi Cantu
Greg Goffinet
March 7, 2010
April, may you rest in peace, you were always fun to be around and so full of energy while we were sharing hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatments...you were always in good spirits regardless of your medical condition...you were an inspiration to all...
Rob Gillespie
March 7, 2010
My darling April,
Your love fills my heart to overflowing and keeps me warm. I thank God for every day, every second we had together. You are my summer miracle, my one and only true love, my best friend and soulmate. You have always been my angel and I know you are watching over me. I love you with all my heart, always...Rob
Angela Goins
March 7, 2010
Rob, My heart and prayers go out to you at such a sad time. April will always be in our hearts. My prayers are with you and your families. Take Care!
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