The family of a beloved Bridgeport Public School employee tells News 12 they are devastated by her death just a day after her funeral.  

Elena Kroupnik, 47, is remembered by her friends, family and coworkers as one of the most popular employees at Skane Center Elementary School.  

Kroupnik's husband, Bridgeport immigration attorney Alex Meyerovich, says the speech language pathologist was adored.  

“Whenever she would be with people, she was a riot,” he said.  

His wife's funeral comes after she experienced a long and difficult health journey. Kroupnik had congenital heart disease and received a heart valve transplant in September.  

“The body wouldn't just go, and it was a very long two and a half months just watching her burn out. It was very, very difficult,” Meyerovich said.  

Kroupnik was once a professional dancer at Trumbull's Rockwell Dance Center, where she also taught young people. 

Nikole Lachioma, the dance center’s owner, remembers her as a someone who made a difference in the lives of students.  

“That's her legacy -- the love that she had for every single one of them,” she said.  

A Gofundme was set up with the goal to raise $10,000 but has already raised $31,000 and continues to grow.