April Mae "Ripple" Chmielinski
April Mae "Ripple" Chmielinski
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A graduate of Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, PA, April went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Bloomsburg University and a Master's Degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
In February 1988, April proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving her country with honor and prestige, retiring in 2008 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She then devoted herself to a long and impactful career, working at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from June 1991 until her passing. In addition, she served as a Clinical Instructor for nursing students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, mentoring the next generation of caregivers. Her honors, committee work, and professional affiliations were numerous, reflecting her deep commitment to excellence in healthcare and service.
She is the beloved mother of Jacqueline Chmielinski of Medford, NJ, who is the greatest joy and pride of April's life, and Christina Chmielinski (Frankie) of Maple Shade, NJ, and Stephen Chmielinski (Emi) of Easton, PA. She is also survived by her loving sister, Eva Stein (Thomas) of Sellersville, PA, her granddaughter, Vanessa, whom she adored, and the godmother of Jacqueline, Debbie Coleman.
April was known for her boundless kindness, compassion, and generosity. She touched many lives and left behind a large circle of friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss her dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet her family on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Bend Road, Marlton, NJ, where a Christian mass will be held at noon. Interment will follow at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover Twp, NJ. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the BRADELY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, 127 Medford Mt. Holly Rd, Medford, NJ, 08055
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the April Chmielinski Memorial Fund at the University of Pennsylvania. Contributions will support a memorial bench and scholarship/award opportunities in April's name. Donations can be made online at: RememberingApril or Checks may be made payable to: "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania", with a note indicating the gift is in memory of April Chmielinski, and mailed to: Penn Medicine Development, Attention: Mike Hugel, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (www.BradleyStow.com)
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of April Mae (Ripple) Chmielinski, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
LtCol Wendy S Collins, USAF, NC, Ret
August 23, 2025
On behalf of the Society of Air Force Nurses, please know we are mourning with you the death of our sister nurse, Lt Col April Mae Ripple Chmielinski, Retired. It takes a patriot, willing to give of themselves to other human beings in their time of need, to step forth and join the ranks of our U. S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Your beloved one will be mourned and missed by many who served alongside her. We will include her name in our Memorial Program of the Society of Air Force Nurses in commemoration of her life and service to our nation.
With Sincerest Regards and Gratitude,
Wendy S. Collins, Lt Col, USAF, Nurse Corps (Retired)
Nina Sherman
August 11, 2025
Rest in peace April. I enjoyed working with you years ago when we were both active in SEPA AACN
Jasminda Navarro
August 11, 2025
It was always a pleasure to fly with April. She always had a smile and made the patients always feel at ease during our missions. Fly high 69/514 AES will always be with you. Condolences to the lost of a wonderful woman.
Audrey Brooks
August 8, 2025
April was a friend who will be truly missed. I learned alot from her when she took me under her wing as my Officer in Charge at McGuire.She was an excellent flight nurse and she really enjoyed working at Penn. Me and husband enjoyed some good times with her and Jackie. April will be in my heart forever.
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John Castle
August 8, 2025
I served with April in the Air Force at McGuire AFB. April was always upbeat, cheerful and friendly. She had a kind gentle way about her; she was compassionate and empathetic. April´s in-service training to the nurses and medical technicians were always helpful, informative and thought provoking.
Knowing April made me a better nurse, and more so, a better person. It has been a privilege serving with such a wonderful person. She will never be forgotten. Until we meet again in Heaven, Rest in peace my dear friend.
Bev Tibbott
August 5, 2025
I was with April , first at McGuire AFB, NJ, and later at Willow Grove NAS PA, as Flight Nurses, Reservists, and sometimes, Deployed Comrade´s. First and Foremost, April was an Amazing Individual, who always radiated Great Warmth and Singular Beauty. I knew that She carried the same Excellence to Her civilian nursing career, as well as to Her Ultimate Joy of Motherhood. She was a Dear Friend and I will Always Carry Her in My Heart, as One of the Bravest and Finest People I have ever known. You are My Hero, April. May You Grace the Heavens with Your New Wings, Sweet Angel.
Jeanette Golden
August 4, 2025
April. Was one of the kindest , compassionate nurses who was in the USAF unit that we both were members of.
She was an excellent instructor, who taught many nurses and medical technicians.
Her beautiful smile , and congenial personality will never be forgotten. Soar high with the Angels, April! May you find peace and love with Our Lord, in his arms.
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127 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd., Medford, NJ 08055
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