Jennifer April
September 18, 2025
September 18, 2025
September 18, 2025
Jennifer Joan April
October 11, 1965 – September 18, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jennifer Joan April, who left us peacefully in Burnaby on September 18, 2025, just weeks before her 60th birthday. Born on October 11, 1965, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Jenn lived a life filled with love, laughter, and friendship.
She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Michael Anthony Matich, and her cherished daughter, Mariah Jasmine April. She also leaves behind her sister Natalie Sellers (Lionel), her brothers Bill April (Carleen) and John April, along with extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched.
Jenn had a gift for lighting up every room she entered. Her joy, kindness, and vibrant spirit created lasting bonds and friendships, many of which are reflected in the overwhelming love and messages pouring in from her community and beyond. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and will do their best to respond to each kind word.
Special thanks are extended to her dedicated medical team, and especially the staff of Burnaby Hospital ICU, for their compassionate care in her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been her 60th birthday, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Claudio’s Ristorante (4402 Skyline Dr #103, Burnaby) from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. All who knew and loved Jenn are warmly invited to join us in remembering her remarkable life.
Memorial messages can be made at justcremation.ca/obituaries.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
I last saw Jenn not long ago. She showed me her new hair color and style, and hugged me, saying, 'Pearl, you should go do your hair too.' Jenn was a truly wonderful woman, and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all of us.
Pearl Wang
October 2, 2025
Heartbroken to hear of Jenn’s passing. She was such a vibrant, kind, and cheerful soul who made everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. I will always remember her beautiful smile and warm laughter. Keeping Michael, Mariah, and all of Jenn’s loved ones in my prayers during this very difficult time.
I have shed many tears since I first found how sick Jenn was. My heart aches knowing we will never cruise together again with much laughter and crazy antics. Thank you Mike for having me as a guest twice In beautiful Vancouver.
Much love 💕Bonnie
~ Bonnie
Jen was a very special neighbour. She always made new arrivals on our street feel welcome and part of the community. At the same time, she was known to keep a keen eye on our street. If any strange person activity was seen, she was known to march out there to meet them, kindly ask what they need help with so they can be on their way. Jen will be missed for her warmth, generosity and strength.
~ Joelle
We met Jenn on an Emerald Princess cruise in 2007. (The same cruise that Mike met Jenn)
Jennifer was that distinguishable voice in the crowd - and often with a cocktail in hand. Margaret and I had the opportunity to spend many fun times traveling with Mike and Jenn to Mexico, and many cruises. (I think 7 in total plus an additional 3 or so “ladies” cruises). Itinerary’s included the Caribbean, Panamá and Alaska
Jenn and I are both dual nationals and enjoyed discussing politics and the goings on south of the border - to which there is no shortage of things talk about 😃
I will miss these discussions, sharing laughter, a beverage , Facebook reel or an instagram post
Jenn, your have left a hole in our lives The entire Neal family is grateful of the time we’ve spent together, the conversation, insights debate and guidance
May perpetual light shine upon you and may you be that ray of sunshine on a gloomy day.. May God bless you!
Rest in Peace my dear
Greg,Margaret and family
We are truly heartbroken to hear this devastating news. There are no words that feel adequate right now, but please know that Wolf and I are sending you all our love and strength.
~ Colleen Stapleton and Wolf Heyer
From all of the Squadron members of Tri Squadron (Burnaby, Coquitlam and Royal City New Westminster) our condolences go out to Mike an Mariah on the loss of Jenn. Jenn was the Commander of our Power Squadron for a few years and she will be missed going forward. She was a commanding leader, a go getter and warm person to be around. Jenn is gone too soon.
~ Lynda Bennett-Retei
Eric and I would like to send our deepest condolences to Mike and Mariah. As well as my best of friends Natalie and Lionel Sellers and all family. Jenn will be missed my many but she will be in everyone’s heart for a lifetime. Rest in peace ❤️
Love Heidi and Eric McGlade
~ Heidi McGlade
My heart is broken over the passing of my dear aunt, Jennifer. She was a force of love and selflessness, and I will carry her memory with me always.
I am forever grateful for the incredible woman she was, a truth that was clear from the very beginning. When I was an infant, she saved me from drowning in a pool, jumping in fully clothed—heels, dress, and all—without a moment's hesitation. That wasn't just a story; it was a perfect snapshot of her character.
I believe that bravery and profound love probably shaped my entire life. We have lost an incredible soul, but heaven has gained an angel who undoubtedly arrived with perfect hair and heels, ready to jump into action.
Rest in peace, Aunt Jennifer. I will love you always.
Mike, family and friends of Jennifer.
We wish you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart!
With our deepest heartfelt sympathies to you.
Tom and JoAnn Johnston
~ Tom Johnston
Mike, our deepest condolences for your loss. We will always remember the fun time we spent together in Vegas. Thinking of you with sympathy, and wishing you comfort in the days to come.
Bing and Sophia
~ Sophia Mah
Mariah, words can’t express what you’ve meant to me as a friend, as I’m sure words can’t express what your mother meant to you. I’m very sorry to hear that you’re going through this and I just wish I was in the same city as you so I could give you a big hug and tell you everything’s going to be okay. I love you and I’ll be happy to listen to any story you ever wish to share with me about your mother Jenn. Rest in peace to her, and condolences to any other friends or relatives of hers reading this.
~ Maxwell Hauser
Sweet Mariah, my deepest sympathies to you and your family at the passing of your mother. I hope her love for you and the good memories you have shared will help guide you through your grief. Much love, Kelly Kalb
~ Kelly Kalb
Saddened by the loss of Jennifer April, my former sister-in-law and forever part of our family. She was a great person with a beautiful soul. She’ll always be remembered with love. My thoughts and prayers are with her daughter Mariah — I love you and I’m always here for you. ❤️🙏
Im in disbelief that I ‘m writing a memoir for this beautiful human, I dont think any of us were ready for her to leave us this suddenly. My condolences go out to Mariah and Mike but I know she is always close to you. You both were her entire world. As much as we all loved her so much, she loved you two more than anything in this lifetime and i hope all that love gets reflected back to you in the difficult moments. Im here for both of you anytime, for anything you may need as she was always there for me. I can feel her presence and hear her voice in my head loudly, her energy was so vibrant. Mama jenn (as I called her) was the light of my life, she propelled me through my career and supported me, not only emotionally but she somehow always knew when i needed her and would pop in to give me a big hug & my favourite snacks. She and i spent countless hours together yapping, it felt like minutes. In the past 5 years she truly was the most consistent and reliable person in my life. May Jenn's energy shine through us all brightly forever. Ill never stop sharing my beautiful memories with her so she can keep living on, she was the kind of love this world needs. Rest in paradise to the hysterically honest and straightforward mama Jenn, we love you! <3
~ Nicole Morgan
My deepest sympathy to you both, Mike and Mariah.
Jenn was such a caring and warm person. She left an imprint in my heart and I will always remember her. My thoughts are with you as you also remember her.
Dr Darla
~ Dr Darla