April D Wefler

April Dawn Wefler, world traveler, reader, writer, history buff and beloved family member passed away on April 18th, 2025, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the age of 33.

Her unexpected passing leaves her family and friends reeling with grief. They will, however, be forever grateful they knew the smart, fun, kindhearted April who brightened their lives with her infectious laugh, incredible empathy, and adventurous spirit.

April was born August 19,1991, in San Luis Obispo, California to Bruce and Linda Wefler. A few years later her sister, Eileen, was born. April and Eileen were not just sisters but best friends their entire lives. They were each other's playmate, listener, defender, encourager, conspirator and sharer of delights as well as sorrows. Their bond was a gift, indeed.

From her childhood home in California, April moved to Springfield, Missouri. She volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House during her teenage years. Her interests were wide, encompassing the worlds she found in books, the stories she crafted in her writing, and the adventures she embarked on through travel. From a young age, she cherished the Harry Potter series, Ella Enchanted, Redeeming Love, The Atonement Child, and the books of Kate Klise, and later developed a deep appreciation for the wit and romance of Jane Austen. She held a special affection for dolphins and always marveled at their intelligence and grace. She graduated from Kickapoo High School and then was on the move again, this time to Colorado.

April attended and graduated from The University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, majoring in Communications and minoring in History. She was a prolific writer for the University paper, The Scribe. For a summer she interned at Disney World in Florida as part of the Disney College Program. One of her highlights there was telling vacationing children to “Have a magical day!” In her free time, she found entertainment and connection in the imaginative worlds of the BBC programmes Doctor Who and Being Human. April also had a deep appreciation for movie musicals and enjoyed watching films like August Rush and Walk the Line, often sharing these moments with her dad.

After working for several months post- graduation, April spent a transformative year in Cork, Ireland, a place that stole her heart. Much to the surprise of her family and friends, she secured a 1-year Work-Abroad Visa, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the country. She wrote for the Cork Independent newspaper and learned all about the culture, people, and nation of Ireland. April truly loved all things Irish and hoped one day to return there to live.

April found her final home and community in Lancaster, PA. She worked for Lancaster County in the Elections Department. Among her duties was helping train dozens of poll workers over her 6 years, serving in two presidential elections and countless county ones. She was a great supervisor of poll workers, many of whom worked together for years. She was known for being interested in their lives and remembering the details they shared with her. She always marveled that she got to be a part of history but longed to be a reporter. It was here, she started travel blogs and poured into her writing, always thinking of the next adventure.

April was a history buff. Bring up a topic of American history as well as much of international history and she could make your head spin with her knowledge. As much as April enjoyed reading books, learning, and writing for newspapers, blogs and in her personal journals, her most favorite thing to do in the world was travel. April's adventurous spirit extended beyond physical travel; she also enjoyed sharing virtual journeys across Europe with her mother. From a young age, April's imagination flourished, nurtured by those around her. Not only did she travel extensively in the United States, but she visited 19 international countries. She loved tracing the footsteps of explorers, marveling at historical architecture and stepping into the past. Whether by planes, trains or road trips, it was the journey itself she loved most.

April's faith was a guiding force in her life, inspiring her to step into so many countries without fear, knowing God was with her. She never feared death, finding comfort in the belief that one day she would be reunited with her lost loved ones and Jesus.

Her greatest adventure of all though was getting to be an aunt to her beloved niece Melodie, whom she cherished dearly. It was to her she was passing on her love of books and reading.

April’s bright light will continue to shine as the people she loved most forever remember her.

She is survived by her mother Linda Pusser (Ernie), father Bruce Wefler, sister Eileen Druzynski (Michael), beloved niece Melodie Druzynski, paternal grandmother Karen Blake and step-paternal grandfather Bill Blake, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends all over the world.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: John and Helen Domeny, her paternal uncle Eric Blake, her maternal uncle David Bowen, her treasured stepfather Raymond Rush, and her childhood cat Noelle.

In honor of April, intentionally live life with kindness and adventure. And as she liked to say, “Buy the ticket and take the trip!”

A celebration of April’s life will be announced later.

In a world full of hate, be a light- Thomas Rhett

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. --Isaiah 40:31