In Memory: April Underwood

In memory of April Underwood, April 13, 1963 – July 26, 2019

“April was stillness, patience and light personified,” said Jaime Ebane, clerk at Millard Branch.

Sadly, that light was extinguished too soon when April Underwood, library specialist at Millard Branch, passed away unexpectedly on July 26.

Underwood began her career with Omaha Public Library as a library page at Benson Branch in 1997. It didn’t take her long to get promoted, first to a clerk position and then as a library specialist. Throughout Underwood’s 22 years at OPL, she worked at the Benson, Florence, Sorensen, Main and Millard branches, and though she was truly amazing at serving OPL patrons, it was her generosity of spirit and radiant smile that her colleagues will likely remember about her most.

“In a place populated by so many nice people, April was right at the top. I never saw her get mad or angry with anyone. It was rare to see her go more than a minute without flashing her loving smile,” said Ed Vinovskis, library aide at W. Dale Clark Main Library.

Others at OPL recall her sense of style and organization, and how well she listened to people and responded to their needs.

“April knew sign language and had a patron who always sought her out when he was in the library for a brief conversation,” said Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch Manager Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh. “It was truly a joy to watch them, see his face light up, and know how much this meant to both of them.”

This is just one example of why Underwood was repeatedly recognized by her co-workers as being an outstanding employee and person.

While there are no words to adequately describe losing such a special colleague and friend, Vinovskis expressed well what many others could not. “When April walked, she let her heart lead the way. In dreams, we’ll all walk with you. God bless you.”