April Knigge

April L. Knigge NORFOLK - April Lyn Knigge, 37, passed away Oct. 31, 2009, at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center following a sudden physical illness. April was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Gary Knigge; parents, Douglas and Pamela Hurst of Virginia Beach; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as her Granma Trainor. Her beloved dog "Rex" will miss her everyday attentiveness in their Norfolk home. April was afflicted with an insidious disease: schizoaffective disorder. April suffered valiantly from the ravages of this physically transparent illness since early adolescence. Schizoaffective disorder is incurable and can be as deadly as cancer or heart disease. It is a disease of the mind and one's mental outlook. April was an avid Harley Davidson fan, treasured any gift given to her and was proud of her Irish Catholic background. April was greeted in heaven by her sister, Kimberly; her brother, Kenneth, Pap-Pap Trainor; her godmother, Aunt Christine; her Uncle Tony; her friend, Phyllis Nelson; and most recently her cousin, Holly Mercer who passed this year from another insidious disease, Rett Syndrome. The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach. A Mass of Resurrection will be Friday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, with Father James E. Parke officiating. The burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. DelaCruz, all attending physicians, and to the ICU nurses and staff at DePaul Medical Center. April's medical care was superlative and the kindness shown her will never be forgotten. Memorial donations may be made in April's name to DePaul Medical Center Foundation, 150 Kingsley Lane, Norfolk, VA 23505. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyer.com.