In Loving Memory of April Hannaford

Hi everyone,

For those who know me, my name is Dayton, and it is with a heavy heart that I share the news that my mom, April Hannaford, passed away suddenly on May 19, 2024 at the age of 47. She was an amazing mother and a cherished friend to those who knew her. She was funny, eccentric, and never afraid to be the loudest at the party, always knowing how to have a great time. She was my best friend throughout my childhood and protected me from everything I was scared of in the world and boy was I scared a lot! She was a shoulder for us to cry on when the world got a little too much and was the rock for me, my brother, and my sister.

My mom was always a surprise to people when they met her. She was beautiful, with a mouth like a sailor and a crude sense of humor that didn't fit the rest of the package. She had an infectious laugh that could light up any room, and her candid, raunchy attitude was refreshing and endearing even if others might have been a little taken aback. She had a heart of gold and made sure we had everything we needed and that she loved us very much. Her direct honesty and straightforwardness were matched by her warmth and compassion, making her someone who truly stood out and a memorable person for many.

She loved music and listened to it often, almost daily especially when cleaning the house. Her favorites were Sean Paul, Maroon Five, JoJo, Britney Spears (If you can't tell by the hair in the below picture, she was about 26 in this photo. MOM what are you doing!) Fleetwood Mac and even some unlikely choices like Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Alice in Chains to name a few. I think that the reason I'm so obsessed with music is because of her, thanks mom!

She was a huge technology nerd and way back in the black & white Gateway days she was obsessed with the internet, whether it was shopping (go eBAY!) video games or just web browsing, she was all about it - so much so that I think the only reason she went to college was because it was online and she just loved the idea. She was an avid gamer and introduced me to the world of video games way back in 1999, begging my dad to purchase a PlayStation One so she could play Tomb Raider and Twisted Metal. She kept this hobby for many years, using many different platforms. We played Guitar Hero together, Call of Duty and a plethora of PC games (Left4Dead was the first Steam game she purchased me) including playing the original Guild Wars for hours on end and Dofus (a French MMO) with me, my brother, and our best friend Chencho, teaching us all the things we didn't understand about the game and allowing our imagination and love of video games to flourish.

She was a spiritual person who connected deeply with the world around her and seemed to leave her mark wherever she went. Her love for nature was palpable, and she often found solace in its beauty. Whether it was a simple walk outside or looking at old pictures, she had a profound respect for the earth.

I, along with my brother, sister, and her grand-babies, carry her love of the world in us every day. Her appreciation for the simple joys have become a part of who we are. We find comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the beauty that surrounds us, and we strive to honor her memory by cherishing each moment and embracing the world with the same wonder and enthusiasm that she did.

She leaves behind her two sons, Dayton (me) and Joshua, her daughter Shianne, and her five grand-babies: Austin Jr., Emily, Hartlyn, Bentley, and Jacob.

I don't expect to reach the goal of this GoFundMe and I was apprehensive about making it and putting it out there. I know money is tight and we all have our bills to pay, so again, I don't expect anything - just being able to share a small slice of my mom and the great women that she was is enough. Thank you to any and all that are able to contribute, I could never thank you enough.

We are still determining the day of burial and I will add any updates here. Thank you!

- Dayton & Family