GoFundMe Launched In Honor Of Former Stamford Mayor's Daughter

STAMFORD, CT — A GoFundMe has been launched in honor of Michelle Pavia, the 43-year-old daughter of former Stamford mayor Michael Pavia, who died in a snowmobile accident on Saturday, Jan. 25, in Maine.

The Maine Warden Service said Pavia was killed in a snowmobile crash in Solon, Maine, after her snowmobile hit the shoreline of a frozen pond and she was ejected from the machine and into the treeline, WGME reports. Wardens said she was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.

See also: Former Stamford Mayor's Daughter Dies In Snowmobile Crash

According to the GoFundMe page, Pavia's five-year-old daughter, Mia, as well as her fiancé and his son, were in Maine with Pavia at the time of her sudden death.

"[Pavia] is survived not only by them, but many other loving family members and friends," the page description reads. "We are starting this GoFundMe page as a way to help support Mia. While something like this can never lessen the pain of a young child losing a parent, we are hoping that it can help support her through life as she continues to grow into a beautiful woman, just like her mom."

The page was organized by Pavia's cousin, Meghan Guarnieri. As of Friday morning morning, the page has raised nearly $10,500 toward a $25,000 goal.

"I would like to thank everyone in advance for any and all contributions you might be able to make," the page reads. "Even the smallest amount will help make a difference."

On Monday, Mayor David Martin announced the news of Pavia's death, calling it a "tragic loss" for the Pavia family and the entire Stamford community.

"I have called Mayor Pavia to express my condolences for his family," Martin said in a prepared statement Monday. "Michael Pavia was the mayor of Stamford, and it is often overlooked how much a person's family can contribute to their values as mayor. This is a tremendous loss, and I wish the best for the Pavia family as they endure this tragedy."

According to her obituary, Pavia was born in Stamford and graduated from Westhill High School. She later attended Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport, where she earned degrees in art and education.

She worked as a co-curricular administrator and art teacher at Whitby Montessori School in Greenwich and was "deeply committed" to the students and faculty. She was also a trained animal rehabilitator, and never passed up an opportunity to nurse an injured or sick animal back to health.

A wake will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at Bosak Funeral Home (453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford). Pavia's family will receive "extended family" from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the public from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A celebration of Pavia's life, officiated by Father Nicholas Pavia, will be held Monday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Internment will be private.

Michael Pavia was elected mayor of Stamford in 2009. He succeeded Dan Malloy, who decided to run for governor, and served as mayor until Martin was elected in 2013.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

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