April Louise Brown

April Louise Haslett Brown, 80, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2022 at the Genecross Nursing Home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. The daughter of John Ward and Margaret (Bertram) Haslett, April was born on October 4, 1942, in Akron, Ohio and grew up in Binghamton, New York. In 1964, April graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; it is there that she met her husband, Franklin Arthur Brown. The couple were married the week after April’s graduation, and lived in Pittsburgh for three years before moving in 1968 to Napoleon, Ohio when Franklin accepted a position at Campbell Soup Company. Along with raising two sons, April sought to contribute to their new hometown. Some of her activities included greeting newcomers through the local Welcome Wagon chapter and writing for the Northwest Signal. In around 1977, April was hired by Gilson Screen in Malinta, Ohio, where she began as a “secretary who cannot type.” Over 30 years this grew into an invaluable position as accounts payable manager. She was proud of her work, the workplace and the co-workers who became friends. As a stalwart member of the First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, April served as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, a Steven Minister, a member of the “Prime Timers,” and she walked with the church in the Relay for Life. A talented editor and writer, April also helped a refugee sponsored by the church edit his biography. She was known for her keen interest in others and for reaching out in friendship to fellow church members, newcomers and strangers. April enjoyed reading, classical music, dinners out, the company of friends, and playing in several bridge clubs. A particular pleasure were summers spent at the Chautauqua Institution, where the lectures, music and fine arts delighted her and where she and Frank made many friends. She was a member of several groups there, including the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, where she received the Guild of the Seven Seals. April was preceded in death by her beloved husband Franklin, to whom she was married for 53 years. She is survived by her sons, Bruce Andrew Brown and Douglas Arthur Brown, and her daughter-in-law, Doug’s wife Reka Jellema. Friends and family will be received at First Presbyterian Church, 303 W. Washington Street, Napoleon, on Saturday, January 7, 2021, from 12:00 noon until the time of services at 2:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Napoleon. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.

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April Louise Brown

October 4, 1942 - December 30, 2022