April Marie McRae

April M. McRae, 76, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away at her home on December 21, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. April was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose steady love, warmth, and strength shaped the lives of all who knew her.

On June 9, 1967, she married the love of her life, Randy E. McRae. Together, they built a life rooted in family, loyalty, and enduring devotion—one that will continue to be reflected in the generations they raised and cherished.

April is survived by her daughters, Shelly D. Harrell and Erin M. Tanner (Nick D. Tanner); her sisters, Edith A. Rossiter (affectionately known as “Arlene”) and Beverly G. Kane (Paul D. Kane); and her seven beloved grandchildren, Jared T. Smith (Cindy A. Smith), Kayla M. Ferland (RJ Ferland), Haley N. Harrell, Devin J. Tanner, Mason D. Harrell, Chloe M. Tanner, and Ethan D. Tanner. She also leaves behind two treasured great-grandsons, Vincent R. Smith and Oakley D. Ferland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Randy E. McRae; her parents, Wavley M. Groves and Edith C. Whitmire and her brother, Wavley M. Groves Jr.

April earned her associate degree in Gerontology from Tidewater Community College while raising her family and working full-time at Virginia Natural Gas. She was a dedicated professional and a proud lifelong learner.

In her free time, April enjoyed reading, gardening, scrapbooking, and travel. She had an incredible love for books, and she was delighted in collecting vintage jewelry boxes. Through her scrapbooks, she preserved treasured memories with care and creativity, creating keepsakes her family will hold close for years to come.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Avenue of Flags.

Flowers can be sent to Woodlawn Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers; donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in April's honor.

April will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love she gave so freely and the family she held so close.