April M. Sabolay, 54, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, March 13, 1968, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022, at her residence in Belleville, IL.
Surviving are:
- Daughters:
- Clarice Marie Sabolay of Belleville, IL
- Lillian Vesper Sabolay of Belleville, IL
- Parents: Edward J. and Marie A. (nee Powers) Sabo of Fayetteville, IL
- Sister: Mischele (Craig) Wilson of Belleville, IL ;
- Nephew: Reese Wilson Belleville, IL
- Niece: Lucy Wilson of Belleville, IL.
April’s hobbies included gardening (the zinnia border at her home was famous), reading, exercising, hiking, and dancing.
But her passion was teaching. She spent almost 30 years of her life educating students, and she spent the last decades in Belleville School District #118. April was always full of school spirit and embraced the theme weeks, whether it be silly socks or ‘dress like a superhero’ day. During school assemblies, she was never afraid to display her individuality and dance fever moves! She often greeted her class with thunderous music and always a charismatic hello! She inspired her students to dig deeper into the texts, to “look for the evidence” with a critical and discerning eye. Listening to her read to her students was a true joy; she reveled in vivid words and language.
She was an educator who always looked for and saw the good in her students. “Enough” was never enough; she wanted to do better and be better for the students of District #118.
Always a force to be reckoned with, April was determined to achieve her goals. She not only talked about “what’s best for kids,” she lived it. She was a strong and vocal advocate for her daughters, her students, and the community with her words, during her participation in protests and demonstrations, and through her actions on committees.
April did not do things by halves. M & M candies? No daintily eating them one-by-one for her! No, it was by the handful! Hiking up a mountain? Yes, the higher and steeper, the better! A strong musical beat? Then she would dance with abandon, never mind the stares!
April loved her family, friends, and most especially her daughters deeply and fiercely. Her courage, her perseverance, her love of bright colors, her car blasting vintage Christmas music, her excitement about snow days, her acerbic wit and love of sneaky pranks, these are just a few memories that will be treasured always by those who knew and loved her.
One of April’s favorite poets, Amanda Gorman, says, “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Shine on, dear April.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to April’s children’s college fund (“The Claire and Lilly Sabolay Revocable Living Educational Trust”, c/o Mischele Wilson, trustee) at Kurrus Funeral Home.
Funeral: Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
11 Comments To "April M. Sabolay"
#1 Comment By Rachel Fritz On March 30, 2022 @ 1:10 pm
April taught me so much about what it is to be an impactful teacher. Her lessons for me ranged from how to design phenomenal curriculum, to the wild and fun antics she performed to get her students involved in a lesson- she was an amazing educator and mentor.
All the yellow Starbursts in the world to you, April.
“If you know you’re doing what’s best for kids, nothing else matters.” – April SaboLay
#2 Comment By Kathy knox On March 30, 2022 @ 2:12 pm
I will fondly remember April as a vivatious bubbly blond who loved teaching, her students and intellect. She was on a different plane with her intellect and was never afraid to speak up for what she felt was right. I admire her for these qualities. I will keep her daughters and other family members in my prayers. Fly with the beautiful birds and butterflies April.
#3 Comment By Rita Baker On March 30, 2022 @ 2:26 pm
Terribly sorry for your loss, Marie! Sending prayers and hugs🙏💜🙏
#4 Comment By Donald Solt On March 30, 2022 @ 11:57 pm
Truly Heart broke today Heaven Gained an Angel today she will always be watching those she loved and those that loved her.
#5 Comment By Avita Hall On March 31, 2022 @ 2:21 pm
“Be crazy. Be stupid. Be silly. Be weird. Be whatever. Because life is too short to be anything but happy.”
— Hoda Kotb
#6 Comment By Bill Miller On March 31, 2022 @ 3:13 pm
I have much respect for April. She had so much knowledge to share. Her love for curriculum design was obvious, it was never an inconvenience for her to stop what she was doing in order to let me bounce ideas off her. She was quick to offer creative solutions for even the most complex subject matter. April was no push over. She gave one hundred percent and expected the same in return. For that i am thankful, April had a way of making you perform at your best. She made me a better teacher.
I shared April’s love of 1980’s New Wave music. That girl would break into dance at the drop of a beat. And what others have said about M&M’s is true – no solitary M&M for her. It was by the handful or not at all. April had the spirit of a warrior queen.
May perpetual light shine upon you my friend.
#7 Comment By Rhonda Honer-Bauer On March 31, 2022 @ 6:43 pm
My deepest sympathy to Ed, Marie, Mischele and family. She was a great inspiration for all her students and truly believed all had a special place. Hoping your wonderful memories help all of you through this difficult time.
#8 Comment By Janet Metzger On April 1, 2022 @ 12:29 pm
April was a blessing to The Franklin School students and staff. She loved to participate in our many special events. You could tell that she always had her students involved when she was teaching. A favorite memory of April was her wonderful carrot cake that she baked. We would always convince her to bake it for us when we had an occasion to celebrate. It is still my favorite carrot cake recipe made with her home grown walnuts! I know she will be missed by many!
#9 Comment By Deborah Streitz On April 1, 2022 @ 4:11 pm
The love April had for her children was visible daily… as she dropped them off at day care… you met her in the morning with a smile and the evening she had that same smile when she picked up her daughters…she became a friend and I know she will be missed ❤
my love to the family especially Claire and Lily.
Blessings and Prayers,
Deborah Streitz
#10 Comment By Tamela Pflasterer On April 1, 2022 @ 8:53 pm
April was an amazing woman and teacher; she was an inspiration to her students and coworkers. There are so many wonderful memories that I have of her; my favorite memory is when we would read “Honeybees,” a two-voice poem. She loved reading the part of the worker bee. There is no doubt that April loved her coffee, chocolate, music, and dance moves! April, you were a true worker bee who loved life and had fun. One day we will all meet you at the hive!
#11 Comment By The Carpenter Family On April 6, 2022 @ 4:01 am
We are deeply saddened by April’s passing. We have wonderful memories of her. Our deepest sympathy to the family.