Obituary of April Dawn Murray

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of April Murray on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the age of 50. April was surrounded by her family in her final moments.

Survived by her parents, Dennis and Donna Murray, and her siblings Wendy (Edward) Seegmiller, Dean (Shekinah) Murray, Danny (Kristy) Murray, Julie (Will) Hess. Auntie “Apple” was adored by her nieces and nephews, Alex (Sarah) Seegmiller and daughter Maddy, Austin and Michael Seegmiller, Danny and Wesley Murray, Taylor (Andrew), Owen, Georgia (Ben) Murray, Avery and Jade Hess. She loved them with fierce, unwavering devotion. They were her pride, her joy, her little universe. Predeceased by grandparents Wilfred & Beulah Frook and Wilfrid & Nettie Murray and nephew William Hess.

April completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Western Ontario and went on to complete her Bachelor of Education at the University of Exeter in the UK. Upon graduating she taught Kindergarten in London, England, before returning home in 2002 to start her career with the WRDSB. She became a contract teacher in 2007 at Lexington Public School (where she herself had attended primary school) and then moved to Sandowne Public School in September 2012 where she remained teaching until Thursday, March 12, 2026. Her love for teaching was one of her greatest gifts. She poured herself into it with passion and purpose. She cared deeply about her students. April was more than a teacher, nurturing not just academic skill, but kindness. Her compassion and patience with struggling students made a world of difference. When asked for a hug or to sit on her knee, the young students would be affectionately received. Her kindness and gentle spirit made her students feel loved and valued. Her impact on young lives is immeasurable. Miss Murray, their beloved elementary teacher, will be greatly missed.

Those who knew April well knew she was a serious trivia player. She was the Jeopardy queen, quick-witted and sharp, always ready with an answer that left everyone else blinking. She was a music lover, with Stevie Nicks, Oasis & Nellie Furtado as her favourites.

April will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students and all who were able to cross paths with her and her extreme kindness and thoughtfulness. April was surely an angel of God – she never cast a shadow, always and only sunshine.

We would like to extend our appreciation and special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the ICU at WRHN Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) for their extraordinary care.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with April’s family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A private family service will take place at a later date.