Avril Joan Smith was born on April 17, 1921 in Manor Park, London, England. She is predeceased by her parents, Walter Henry and Ellen Frances Chapman, her sister, Constance Jones, and her brother, Ernest Chapman. She is survived by her son Simon ( Carole ) Smith, her daughter, Deborah Smith, her Granddaughter, Jennifer ( Dennis ) Hansen, her Grandsons Andrew Smith, Kyle Annis, and Chad ( Banu ) Annis, and her Great-Grandchildren Michael John Hansen, Olivia Annis, and Lilliana Annis.

Avril volunteered with the St Johns Ambulance in High Wycombe, England where she met and married her husband, Norman Smith. The family moved to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in the late 1950s and then moved to Rochester, NY in the early 1960s. Avril called Rochester her home for the rest of her life

Avril worked as a receptionist for St Marys Hospital in Rochester until she retired when she was in her 70’s.

Avril was an amazing and loving Grammi to her Granddaughter Jenni. They went on many adventures together to places such as Cummins Nature Center, Montezuma Swamp, and even to Canada to visit the sites, Avril loved nature and passed that love on to Jenni.  Avril dubbed her Great Grandson Michael John “ Sir  Michael” and together they would read stories and take trips to the park to enjoy the outdoors.

The family will miss picking Avril up and bringing her to all the family holiday gatherings that occurred all the way until her last year at St John’s. It was Thanksgiving and Christmas where we would share a good meal and wonderful times with her.  Avril loved her glass of Sherry, her Cadbury’s chocolates, and her Werthers candies so we always made sure she had a supply on hand. We are grateful for the many years we had to celebrate and be with her.

Avril has been laid to rest in White Haven Memorial Park amidst the nature she loved so much. The family will have a private service for her there.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care provided by the staff at St. Johns Home.