Teen Mother In Mahwah Dies Unexpectedly, Leaving Behind Baby Girl

MAHWAH, NJ — A devoted mother of a 11-month-old girl in Mahwah passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 19, her obituary said.

Olivia Grace Sybesma, whose greatest passion was her "sweet little girl," died on Aug. 30, leaving behind her daughter Layla Rose, her obituary said.

Born in Ridgewood, Olivia Grace Sybesma grew up in Mahwah and graduated from Mahwah High School where she played basketball and participated in the marching band.

She "lovingly poured all her time and guidance" into raising her daughter, who was the love of her life, the obituary said, and the loss of Sybesma led her family to organize a GoFundMe page for Layla Rose, and her care and future.

As of Tuesday, over $6,300 from 91 donors has been raised for Sybesma's baby girl.

"It is extremely important to us that she not die in vain," Sybesma's cousin Alyssa Adler told Patch. "We wish to spread awareness of the dangers of self-medicating and accepting drugs from off the streets, even if it is someone you trust. Fentanyl poisoning is an epidemic and awareness is everything."

Sybesma, who had a passion for helping others and a goal of becoming a nurse one day, is survived by her parents and siblings, the obituary said. She was engaged to Shawn Hoover.

Her visitation is being held Tuesday at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home in Franklin Lakes, the obituary said.

"We are so overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to everyone who has reached out and donated," Adler said. "The love and support our family has received is invaluable."