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APRIL SMITH Obituary
43, of Framingham passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, February 18, surrounded by family and friends. She was the daughter of Jane Anderson Letteney Clarke, of Framingham, MA, and of the late Frederick Kimball "Kim" Letteney. April attended Framingham North High School, received a BA from Curry College and attended Framingham State, where she earned her MPA. She was the Director of Purchasing for MassArt in Boston where she developed a very close-knit work family. April was deeply devoted to her husband, Jeffrey Smith and their two young children, Brady and Hannah. She was a vivacious and caring woman, who laughed easily, loved fiercely, danced enthusiastically, enjoyed fitness, travel and spending time with friends and family. She was a talented artist who loved music, movies with happy endings, working in the yard, playing with her children, a nice glass of wine, and a sweet bowl of ice cream. She had an innate ability to make those around her feel appreciated and loved, her laugh was contagious and her smile lit up a room. April fought her cancer with unparalleled tenacity, without complaint or self pity, refusing to give up cooking, yard work, playing with her children or traveling. Smiling and laughing until the very end. She was a bright, loving light in the life of everyone fortunate enough to know her. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband, Jeffrey Smith and their children, Brady and Hannah; her mother and stepfather, Jane and Stet Clarke of Framingham; her sister Catherine Jane Conover, niece and nephew, Rachel and Erich Conover of Woodbury, NJ; her aunt, Barbara Egan of Hudson; her lifelong friend and caregiver, Jodi Churchill Chapin, of Framingham and countless other family and close friends. Visiting hours are on Thursday, February 21, from 5-8 PM, at the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, FRAMINGHAM. A memorial service will be held at the 1st Parish Unitarian Church in Framingham on March 2, 2013 at 11 AM. For directions and online guestbook, please log onto
www.nortonfuneralhome.com. Donations to support the education of her children may be made to: The April Letteney Smith Trust Fund, C/O Middlesex Savings Bank, 598 Worcester Rd, Framingham, MA 01702.
Norton Funeral Home, Inc.
53 Beech St.
Framingham, MA 01702
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Memories and Condolences
for APRIL SMITH
Margaret Young
February 14, 2025
I still think of April regularly and miss her. She was one of my favorite people at MassArt.
hannah smith
January 13, 2025
i miss you
Margaret Young
February 14, 2024
Still thinking of and inspired by this lovely woman. I miss her presence but I still feel her spirit.
February 14, 2014
i never got to say goodbye.. rest in peace..you'll be missed
Melissa Montalvo
March 1, 2013
Dear Jeff, Brady, Hannah and Family,
I am so privileged to have been able to have known such a beautiful spirit. April is a true inspiration to me. This world is better place because she left her mark on it. These words have given me comfort and I would like to share them with you.
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and April holds a special place in my heart.
Jay
February 28, 2013
I never had the opportunity to meet April, but reading about her makes me wish I had. I live in Philadelphia and just happen to stumble upon this, It seems the world needs a few mor April's in it !! God bless April's family.
sabrina sinclair-grantz
February 25, 2013
Jane and Trina I was shocked when I heard that April had pass away. I remember her as a child and the times i was over at your house. she's acomplish alot in her life. I know that her dad is just waiting to give her a big hug at the golden gates. big hugs for both of you.
JB
February 25, 2013
May you find peace and comfort during this sad time…Psalms 25:16,17
February 24, 2013
I will love you forever and always my dear daughter. Mom
February 24, 2013
With sympathy for all of April's family. Bless her heart, she is resting in peace. She had a positive goodness and a beautiful spirit. Dyan McClimon-Miller, Mass Art
Barbara and Dick Smith
February 22, 2013
Jane - Although you may not remember us from First Parish, we want you to know that we are very sorry to learn of your daughter's death. We must have known her as a child. You are in our thoughts.
Meg Young
February 22, 2013
I will always remember April and cherish the light and humor she brought to MassArt. I will also continue to admire her courage and keep her as my inspiration for whatever life has to throw in my way. I hope that those who survive her will take some comfort in the love that so many of us will always have for her and will always carry.
Nancy McCarthy
February 22, 2013
I will never forget April's kindness and light. Her radiance was exceptional, like a glittering gem. My sympathy to her family and close friends.
February 22, 2013
“Cherish the moment of togetherness, because the sun will fall beneath the ocean creating a sunset, and the moment will be gone too soon .....”
April, I wanted to say goodbye. A few words about how I feel about you. I wish I had more .......
Your strength, tenacity and grace have been awe inspiring to witness, and the fight you waged to survive showed more courage than I thought possible of anyone. Your charismatic personality was infectious, and your generous and kind heart so apparent to anyone who has ever met you. Your smile and energy could light up a room.
I remember you ....
And April, ......... your dancing:-) ....... a force of it's own and impossible to resist!! A straight out laugh knowing I have your best moves on tape at my wedding years ago. A comfort to know I can still see you .... young, strong and healthy.
Please allow me tell you how truly blessed I feel to have know you and appreciative of our special time together. It Seems so long ago, and almost like yesterday.
Time...... there is never enough of it, and you are gone too soon.
Thank you my old friend for the memories, I shall keep them with me ..... A forever smile with the thoughts of you.
Rest in Peace April, and let god know he owes you a dance for making heaven a little brighter today ......
Leslie Bergen
February 21, 2013
Jane,
I am so sorry for your loss. My first thought after reading about April was how much her joy for life reminded me of you. My heart aches for you and you family.
Stephen Coyne
February 21, 2013
I was blessed to work with April at Massart. She was a very special person to all who worked with her.She was one of those special souls full of life and love GOD BLESS YOU APRIL YOU TRULY WILL BE MISSED!
Sunny Herguth
February 21, 2013
Jane and Family
I was so saddened to hear of April's passing. I know she fought a courageous battle and gave it all she had and then some.
I hope all your wonderful memories will serve as some comofort during these difficult days.
Much love to you all
Sunny Herguth
Dan Szabo
February 21, 2013
To April's family and friends -
Many people have already said what made her special. I want to add that she was a key person at MassArt. Her work made a huge difference in the education and lives of many people, especially young people.
But I'll miss her easy laugh most of all. It stays with me.
Susan McNeil
February 21, 2013
Take comfort that April was well loved while she was here and will be sincerely missed by so many who share in your loss. She was taken much too soon, and my hope is that your hearts soon be filled with wonderful loving memories of the joyful times you spent together.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to your children and family; and may the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
February 21, 2013
Your light lives on in your children. You will be missed by all, but especially your mom, your children and your husband. We are truly sorry. Mary Rose and Greg
L Cain
February 20, 2013
A short time knowing you far outweighs a lifetime having never met you. You'll be missed but never ever forgotten.
Jennifer Conley
February 20, 2013
I knew April from Framingham State. We both got our MPA's. I remember spending lots of time with her, studying and laughing. I am so sad, to hear of her passing. She was so smart, beautiful and funny. I will keep you all in my prayers. Rest in Peace.
February 20, 2013
Mr. Smith,
I didn't know your wife personally, but she sounds like a wonderful lady. I know losing someone you love is hard, and I offer my condolences. Take comfort in knowing that we have the Bible-based hope of seeing our loved ones again. And turn to God in prayer, remembering that "He cares for you."
Michelle Murray- Lauritzen
February 20, 2013
I am absolutely positive that you are now an archangel. We will never, ever stop missing you. You are a priceless treasure whom we cannot afford to be stolen from us way to soon.
Jill Santopietro Panall
February 20, 2013
I am so sorry- my thoughts and prayers with all of you. I hope your wonderful memories will sustain and comfort you in these tough times. Jill Santopietro Panall (friend of Scott)
February 20, 2013
Dear Jeff, Jane and family - I am so very sorry to learn of April's passing. I recently saw her and as always, was full of life and hope. May God Bless You all and give you strength. She was a hero to me and so many others. Sincerely, Donna Marino
Martha and Paul Chapin
February 20, 2013
God bless April, her family, and countless friends that traveled this journey with her. May the comfort of her peace be healing for all of you.
Jen Washburn
February 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you Smitty. April was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. My love to you, the kids and the rest of the family. Xoxo
Jean Wallace
February 20, 2013
April touched my heart from the very moment I met her at MassArt. Her big heart, contagious smile, fun-loving nature and positive attitude will be missed. She is a true gem. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Rose Glennon
February 20, 2013
April, I am so glad to have known you. I will always remember the times we have spent together, your beautiful smile, and the way you always made me laugh. My sincere sympathy to your family and friends. You will be greatly missed by so many. Much love until we meet again.....
Peggie Bouvier
February 20, 2013
April's humor and courage are inspirational. I feel blessed to have worked with her. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends.
February 20, 2013
Dear Jeff and Family, I am so sorry to hear of April's passing. She was a wonderful Human Being, and I will always remember her coming to MassArt, every day, with a twinkle in her eyes, a spring in her step, and a song in her heart. Goodbye, April, may your song last forever.
Cindy Moore
February 20, 2013
Dear Jane, Stet, Jeff, Brady, Hannah, Trina and all of April's Family and Friends,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about April's passing. We are here to support you in your grieving process.
With much love, Ed, Cindy and Alexander Moore
matt maderos
February 20, 2013
You made working at MassArt so much fun! Your laughter and spirit are unforgettable! I'm so glad to have been your friend!
Laura Chmielecki
February 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. April was a special person and will be missed!
Bev and Bill Cullinane
February 20, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of April's passing. She was a good friend and had good friends.
Her life was an example of all that is good in people.
Sue Letteney
February 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with April's family. My life was truly blessed to have known April. She always had a beautiful, sunny smile. With love and sincere sympathy.
Quinton Brathwaite
February 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family at this time of sorrow; but if I may suggest that we know for certain that she was loved and loved in return, and now rests in the loving arms of the One who gives peace and grace, God the Father.
Jessica Jones
February 19, 2013
Dear Jeff & Family, my heart is deeply saddend to hear of the loss of April. I am truly blessed i was able to know such a beautiful person. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and April, may you rest in peace.
Jessica Jones
February 19, 2013
Jeff, my deepest sympathy goes out to u and your whole family. I am so saddened by April's passing. May peace be with you at this time. I will always remember her kindess and beautiful smile.
Joanne McDonald
February 19, 2013
April...You were truly one of the kindest, strongest., courageous, most caring and loving person I have ever had the special privilege to know. You were always there with an infectious smile and a positive attitude. I am happy I was lucky enough to have had your friendship. My family and I will miss you. Soar with the angels. See you on the other side..
Nancy Cavlan
February 19, 2013
April, I have known and loved you since before you were born. Your incredible courage was an inspiration to all... you will be missed more than words can say.
Jillian Hines
February 19, 2013
I am so glad I had a chance to meet April! She effected me and my 2 children in such a positive way that most would take a life time to. Jeff, you married an angel and now she is watching over all of us! Thank you for letting us be a part of your memories.
Em Jacobsen
February 19, 2013
Aw A. Doesn't seem real....going to miss your sweet face. Going to miss shopping, laughing, eating, joking, crying, everything we did together. Just so sad without you, love every minute we had together. Can't believe your gone, my pretty mama, you are soooo loved.
Eric Schlueter
February 19, 2013
I know that you are now in a better place and free from all of your suffering. Rest in Peace.
Tiffany Berkovitz
February 19, 2013
You were so loved by so many and missed terribly. I love you. It has been a short 34 years my friend.
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