April Karby Obituary

April Karby was born on April 1, 1952, to the late Merrill and Leora June Chapin. April passed away peacefully at her home, on April 18, 2023. April was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and Clearwater, Florida. While in Clearwater, April met the love of her life Steven "Skip" Karby. They married and lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida where they started their family. In 1989, Skip and April made a dream come true by moving to Sylva, North Carolina where they spent the next 29 years raising their children, Kristen and Stephen, and enjoying a laid back mountain life. With a huge heart and a passion for nurturing people, April volunteered in the community. She served many roles as part of their St. Mary's church family and while working as an Admissions Counselor at Western Carolina University (WCU). She traveled throughout the U. S. and abroad and would often return home from her adventures saying, "You know, I could live there. "April's laugh and love were contagious. Always full of joy, she knew the right things to say to make anyone laugh and smile. An avid gardener, April often joked that she grew the biggest and best weeds, but she always raised beautiful flowers. As a Mom, April welcomed everyone into their home, and enjoyed entertaining visitors with big spreads of food and abundant smiles and hugs. Her motto was to not take life too seriously, and to eat dessert first. April and Skip moved to Powhatan, Virginia in 2018 to live near their young granddaughter, Harper Grace. After relocating, April built friendships with her sweet neighbors, and enjoyed lounging in the sun on the back deck. She treasured art projects and discovering new crafts with her granddaughter Harper. . April is preceded in death by Skip, her husband of 45 years. April is survived by her Daughter: Kristen (Chuck) Leimone of Midlothian, VA; Son: Stephen Karby of Charlotte, NC, and Granddaughters: Harper and Kayla Leimone. Also survived by April's older Son: Salvatore Bracco (Heather) and their Son Philip. April is survived by her twin Sister: Alison Cowan (Gary) of Cottonwood Heights, UT, Brother Tony (Cheryl) of Clarksville, TN and her sibling's children. Also survived by her dear Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Mary Jo and Gene Gunselman of Mount Pleasant, SC. As well as April's nephews and nieces, and their children: Gregg (Emily) of Short Hills, NJ; Ryan (Khris) of Asheville, NC; and Stephanie (Zach) of Atlanta, GA; great-nieces and nephews: Julia, Andrew, Enzo, and Emilia. A celebration of life service will be held this summer in Elyria, Ohio. The family's wish is to gather with family and friends to celebrate April (and husband Skip's) lives with a joyful celebration.