Phyllis April Sebag-Montefiore
Vivacious writer and actor whose elegance concealed a sharp eye and tonguer
THE AUTHOR and actress April Sebag-Montefiore, who has died aged 92, grew up in Nottingham, the daughter of Dr Henry and Miriam Jaffe. She wrote four novels under the name April Jaffe, or her pen name Jennifer Gabbey. These were Satin and Silk, The Enchanted Horse, I married a Doctor
Portrait Unfinished. the Nottingham and Birmingham Repertory Theatres. She moved to London where she became a nurse and freelance journalist, and married Dr Stephen Sebag-Montefiore at Bevis Marks Synagogue. Her father, brother and husband were all doctors. They lived in Kensington and retired to Winchester. She was happily married for 62 years, mother of four, grandmother of 11 and great grandmother of eight.
She was cultured, witty and a proud Jewish matriarch, as well as being fiercely loyal and endlessly supportive. She had a vivacious elegance, which concealed a sharp eye and tongue. She was adored by her children as a broad minded confidante in all matters, impossible to shock, yet interested in everything they did. She was a pitiless editor, assisting her author sons and daughter-inlaw. She recently wrote a letter to The Times bemoaning the use of the phrase ‘died peacefully’ in obituaries, suggesting a more realistic and meaningful approach. She would have approved of a statement that she passed away gratefully, gently and eagerly, as age took its toll. Her sons, Rupert, Hugh, Adam and Simon, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who survive her, celebrate an exciting life full unselfish nurturing. ADAM MONTEFIORE
Phyllis April Sebag-Montefiore: born April 15, 1927. Died October 28, 2019