DANBURY, CT — Friends and family are remembering Brittany Anne Islami, the New Milford woman who was killed in a motorcycle crash earlier this month in Danbury, as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her three children.
Islami, 34, died July 13 after the Harley-Davidson motorcycle she was riding on Sugar Hollow Road was involved in a head-on collision with a Jeep Compass, according to Danbury police.
The crash also claimed the life of the motorcycle's operator, 38-year-old Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside of Danbury. The driver of the Jeep was seriously injured. Police said the crash remains under investigation.
Born in Danbury, Islami worked as a caretaker and personal assistant, according to her obituary.
She is survived by her three children — Hayleigh, 12, Madison, 10, and Logan, 7 — along with her parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.
"Brittany was always the life of the party and lit up every room she walked into," her family wrote in her obituary. "She was so special, in a way that only people who truly knew her would understand."
Her family said she made sure her children experienced life to the fullest, taking them to sporting events, school and town activities, and on trips together.
"One of her greatest strengths was her determination," the obituary states. "No matter what challenges life placed in her path, she refused to give up."
A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St. in Danbury.
In the wake of her death, family members have also launched a GoFundMe to help support Islami's children.
The fundraiser, created by the children's aunt, Katelyn, and grandfather, Peter Young, says donations will help cover the children's immediate and future needs, including living expenses, childcare, clothing, food, counseling and educational expenses.
"Her three children ... were the center of her world," organizers wrote. "They are now facing the unimaginable loss of their mother while their family works to navigate this difficult new reality."
The fundraiser also offered condolences to Whiteside's family, saying, "He was deeply loved and cherished by many, and his absence will be felt by all who knew him."
As of Wednesday morning the fundraiser had raised $39,000 toward its goal of $75,000.
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