April Irene Franklin Downs

April Irene Franklin Downs passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was 58 years old. April was born in Orange County, California on May 16, 1968. She was a resident of Huntington Beach, California.

April received her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and her Master’s degree from Purdue University. She went on to get her PhD from University of Oklahoma. After graduating, April taught English in Japan and South Korea on our military bases. She loved to travel and was able to travel extensively throughout Asia during this time of her life. After 2 years in Asia, April took a position at Cal State Fullerton as a Business Communication Professor. For over 20 years she enjoyed being a Professor and helping her students.

April was preceded in death by her mother Leah Marie Good Franklin.

April’s survivors include her beloved husband of 24 years, Tom Downs, and her two loving sons James Downs and Benjamin Downs. She is also survived by her sister Donna Schwarm, brother John Franklin, nephews John Schwarm, Trevor Franklin, Zach Franklin and nieces Katie Schwarm, Lexi Franklin, and Chaeley Franklin. April’s memory will be cherished by her family.

April loved her family with all her heart. Most of all she loved being a Mom to James and Benjamin and she loved to travel with her family. April loved all of her friends very much. She loved walking and bike riding with her friends. She also loved playing pickleball with them and going on Duffy boat cruises. April loved music and going to concerts. April loved experiencing life and had a lifelong love of learning. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend April’s service on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the chapel at Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625. Burial service to follow. Her family will be hosting a luncheon reception immediately following the burial at Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Avenue, Seal Beach, CA 90740

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of April Downs to the City of Hope/Ovarian Cancer Donate to Cards for Hope - In Memory (https://ourhope.cityofhope.org/give/286522#!/donation/checkout)or to American Cancer Society Donate Today | The American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialmedia&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=21603275924&utm_adgroupid=169792393161&utm_keyword=american%20cancer%20society&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21603275924&gbraid=0AAAAAD2heef2z-be98KL4Hl95ZH_hdTR0)