Somerset County Mom Who Died Of COVID Without Holding Her Baby Honored By Murphy

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy honored a Somerset County mom who tragically died of COVID pneumonia in January after giving birth and before even getting a chance to hold her newborn baby boy.

"A life of tremendous promise cut short by this virus. May God bless her and those who she leaves behind," said Murphy on Wednesday during a press conference.

Michelle Stani, 37, formerly of Bridgewater, died on Jan. 12 after giving birth to her fourth child - her son Jayden.

Stani always had a passion for education. She worked in childcare since she was 18 years old and earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Raritan Vally Community College.

He earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and English from Caldwell University and recently just received her Master's degree in Education from Rutgers University.

"It was her love," said Murphy.

She is survived by her children Samantha age 19, Noah age 4, Jordan age 11 months, and Jayden age 7 weeks; her parents John and Susan; brothers John and Jack and her partner Frank.

"I had the great honor of speaking with her mom last week and you can only imagine … we've had some brutal conversations over the past couple of years, but this one was right up there. So please keep the mom, dad, her kids, siblings her partner in your prayers," said Murphy. "They are all tragic this one was overwhelming so."

A fundraiser was previously set up to cover her medical bills and to help care for her children's care and education. Read More: NJ Mom Of 4 Dies Of COVID Shortly After Giving Birth

"She was pregnant for the past two years all while working full-time, taking care of her kids, and going to school full-time at Rutgers University for her Masters in childhood education," said Zachary Pawlikowski, boyfriend of Stani's daughter Samantha.

As of Wednesday, just under $45,000 has been raised of the $100,000 goal.

"She was so devoted to her kids and those kids need a lot of help, she never even got to hold the newborn baby," said Pawlikowski.

For more information or to donate visit gofund.me/167d0d18

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