A Bridgeport family says they need help paying for their grandmother's funeral expenses after she unexpectedly died.

Judith Zapata, who is well-known in the community, died on Tuesday, leaving her family wondering how they will stay in the family’s house and raise the grandchildren for whom she was caring.

Police and fire officials arrived at the family's home Friday to show their support for the relatives of the beloved local resident, who was known throughout her neighborhood for helping anybody she could whereever need existed. The officials, who were representing the Marilyn Goldstone Foundation, presented the family with $250 in Stop & Shop gift cards.

As News 12 reported in 2017, Zapata raised eight children by herself when her daughter Angela suddenly passed away from an aneurism.

Joe Kaliko at the Needs Clearinghouse raised thousands of dollars to keep Zapata in her Bridgeport home so she could continue raising the children in her care.

The family is asking for the public’s help with funeral expenses.

To contribute to the Judith Zapata funeral fund, please contact daughter Lesha Rodriguez at (203) 545–0672

Or mail check to:

Payable to: Lesha Rodriguez
c/o Judith Zapata Funeral Fund
142 Benham Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06605