Coronavirus New Jersey: Mom dies from COVID just days after giving birth to her third son

PATERSON, NJ – On one of the most difficult days of their lives, Joanna Jimenez’s family spoke about their last joyful reunion – her baby shower.

Baby Ashton was born on February 13 – it was an emergency delivery because Jimenez was battling COVID. Her mother lost her battle, never having had the chance to hold the baby she carefully carried in her arms for almost nine months.

Jimenez leaves behind her three boys – Jordan, 15, Christian, 18 months, baby Ashton. She also leaves behind her devastated husband, Chad Augustus.

“I just try to stay strong… every day I want to let my emotions go, but I try to stay strong for the kids and the family,” Augustus said.

The family started a GoFundMe page to help their three boys start their lives, without the mother who family and friends called “the glue of the gathering.”

“I have had so many experiences and memories with her – she has always been by my side,” best friend Cynthia Sanchez said.

“I’m so proud of her for the woman she became after having children – she dedicated her life to making sure her children were good,” said her brother, John Jimenez.

Love still flows through the family – they all decided to leave the heartbroken mother of Jimenez, Ashton’s grandmother, to take the lead in caring for him. They say it relieves her sadness at losing her daughter.

“So now we just have to celebrate her life every day,” said her sister, Jacqueline Diaz.

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