April Marie VanSickle

April, a devoted wife, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 52. She succumbed to pulmonary hypertension after a long and difficult series of health issues, which she faced with exceptional grace and strength.

Born at Naval Station Rota in Cádiz, Spain, April’s childhood was shaped by her life in a military family that moved through Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Key West. Early in life, her kind demeanor was evident; one of her school teachers once noted that April had the “Patience of a Saint,” a quality her devoted husband can readily attest to.

April studied Chemistry and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She was working on a Masters in Materials Science when she accepted an offer from the St. Johns River Water Management District, where she met the love of her life.

In 2003, April married William E. “Bill” VanSickle, beginning a loving and devoted partnership. April was a sweet, kind, helpful, loyal, and dedicated person, known for her deeply private nature and generous spirit. Above all, she was a faithful Christian who cherished her relationship with her Savior and looked forward to meeting Him.

April is survived by her loving husband, Bill VanSickle; her mother, Brenda Lee (Goodrich) Nelson; her sisters, Janet Renee (Nelson) Gerten and  Sandra Elizabeth Nelson; her stepson, Robert Russell VanSickle, and her nephew, Clay Morris Copeland.

She was preceded in death by her father, Byron Morris “Skip” Nelson, and her nephew, Hunter Alan Hodge. She also shared a part of her life with her first husband, Erin Adair.

In keeping with her private nature, no memorial services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor April’s quiet generosity and dedication to helping others, the family requests that donations be considered for:

• Kiva Microfunds: [https://www.kiva.org/]

• Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse): [https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/]