Bridgewater Mom Of 4 Dies Of COVID Shortly After Giving Birth

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Just three weeks after giving birth to her fourth child, 37-year-old Michelle Stani died of COVID pneumonia before even getting a chance to hold her newborn baby boy.

Stani, formerly of Bridgewater and now in Somerville, was described as a "beautiful soul" who was "so strong and loving."

She died on Jan. 12 and leaves behind four children: Samantha age 19, Noah age 4, Jordan age 11 months, and Jayden age 3 weeks.

A fundraiser has been set up to cover her medical bills and to help care for her children's care and education.

"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 Monday, a little over $15,000 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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