April Celeste Housel Harding

I have been in somewhat of a funk this week because I found out on Monday that my cousin passed away unexpectedly. We were not close, as I was 17 years old when she was born, and getting ready to fly the coop. But I do have many fond memories of her as a little girl. She was a really little girl. Tiny. She was actually a miracle baby, and born with some congenital heart problems. We don't know what took her, it could have been that. Lately she was experiencing some bad headaches, so much so that she had to leave her job. But this was totally unexpected and tragic. This was also my uncle's only natural child (he has two step children he adopted) and he adored the ground she walked on.
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Greenville native and life-long resident of Plumas County, April Celeste Harding passed from this life suddenly Monday morning, January 26th, 2009 at Plumas District Hospital located in Quincy, CA.

Born April Celeste Housel on April 23rd, 1976 in Sacramento, CA to California natives Stephen and Marilyn (Hinton) Housel, she was raised and educated in Greenville graduating from Greenville High School as a member of the "Class of 1994". April went on to attend Heald College of Fresno where she obtained her certification in Medical Administration.
Returning to Plumas County April went to work for Plumas District Hospital rising to the position of Supervisor of Admitting. She was forced to leave her job after ten years of employment with the district due to health reasons.

On November 2nd, 2007 April married her childhood sweetheart Casey Harding and the newlyweds settled in East Quincy, CA.
April was a passionate reader and especially enjoyed the Harry Potter novels. One with a quick wit about her she enjoyed talking and sharing with others. April could always be found helping others in their time of need.

In passing April leaves her loving husband; Casey of East Quincy, CA, parents; Stephen and Marilyn Housel of Greenville, CA, step daughter; Molly Harding of Quincy, CA, brother; Donald Housel of Kawanee, IL, and sister; Starla Allred of Sacramento, CA.

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Here is what my cousin Mark wrote in the online guestbook.

" Steve..Marilyn..Starla..Don...April was such a blessing in the lives of all she touched..Memories of the lil girl in the Marcus Allen jersey outplaying the boys at football to a recent one of her winning a game of horse with Mickey Carter all showed her spirit and wit...She would want us all to "Raider up" and remember the good times..."

I had to laugh at that one. We are a family of girly-girl tomboys.

Last but not least I think of grandmother who ADORED that child. I don't think I ever realized how much they favored until I saw this picture of April and compared it to the one I had of my grandmother, circa 1920.