Marina del Rey Mourns the Loss of April Leigh Saez, Beloved Nurse and Community Pillar
West LA VA Medical Center and Local Community Honor Her Life of Compassion, Dedication, and Service
MARINA DEL REY, CA — September 21, 2025
With heavy hearts, the community of Marina del Rey announces the passing of April Leigh Saez, a deeply respected and cherished Staff Registered Nurse at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. April passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, compassion, and tireless service to others. She was a nurse not just by profession, but by purpose — a healer in every sense of the word.
April was more than a healthcare provider. She was a comforter in moments of fear, a beacon of hope for the suffering, and a pillar of strength for her colleagues. Her presence touched the lives of countless veterans, families, and coworkers, many of whom credit her with making their most difficult days just a little bit lighter.
Her sudden passing has left an indescribable void, not only within the halls of the VA Medical Center, but across the wider Marina del Rey community and beyond.
A Life Committed to Caring for Others
April Leigh Saez devoted her career to serving those who served the country. For years, she worked within the VA healthcare system, bringing professionalism, empathy, and excellence to everything she did. Colleagues recall her as someone who always put her patients first, often going above and beyond to ensure each individual felt seen, heard, and cared for.
“April didn’t just care for patients — she cared for them,” said Dr. Michael Tran, a physician who worked alongside her. “She made veterans feel safe and valued. Her bedside manner was unmatched, and her ability to connect with people on a human level was something rare and beautiful.”
Outside of her clinical duties, April was also known for mentoring younger nurses, offering guidance and support to those just entering the profession. Many of her colleagues credit her with shaping their own careers through her steady encouragement and unshakable sense of purpose.
“She was the heart of our unit,” shared fellow nurse Teresa Mendoza. “She brought so much warmth to every shift, even during the toughest times. Losing her feels like losing a part of our family.”
A Beloved Daughter, Friend, and Community Member
Though her professional accomplishments were many, April’s identity extended far beyond her career. She was a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and a vibrant member of the Marina del Rey community. Friends describe her as generous, humble, and full of quiet strength — someone who was always quick to offer help, a listening ear, or a heartfelt laugh.
Whether volunteering locally, supporting mental health awareness campaigns, or simply being there for a friend in need, April embodied the values of empathy and action. She had a gift for making people feel safe and understood — a rare ability that endeared her to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Her love for the ocean, weekend walks along the Marina, and shared coffee dates with friends will remain in the memories of those who cherished those peaceful, ordinary moments with her — moments that now feel so extraordinary in their absence.
A Legacy That Lives On
While April’s physical presence is gone, her legacy continues to echo through every life she touched. The patients she comforted, the colleagues she empowered, the families she supported — all carry a part of her light forward.
To honor her memory, several coworkers and community members have begun discussions about establishing a nursing scholarship fund or memorial donation drive in April’s name, aimed at supporting future healthcare professionals who embody her spirit of service and compassion.
The West LA VA Medical Center has also announced plans to hold a memorial ceremony for staff, veterans, and the public, where stories will be shared, tears shed, and April’s tremendous life celebrated with the dignity she so fully deserves.
In This Time of Grief
As Marina del Rey mourns the loss of one of its own, the outpouring of love and support for April’s family has been overwhelming. Messages of remembrance and condolence continue to flow in from former patients, colleagues, and friends, all expressing what April meant to them personally — and to the community as a whole.
During this difficult time, thoughts and prayers remain with April’s loved ones. Her gentle strength, her unwavering kindness, and her enduring commitment to others will remain a guiding light for those she leaves behind.
in Loving Memory of April Leigh Saez
A healer, a helper, and a heart full of grace. Your life was a gift to all who knew you, and your spirit will continue to inspire.
Rest in peace.
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