The family of a single mom from Bridgeport who left eight kids behind when she died this week spoke to News 12 Connecticut about their loss. 

Angela Zapata would have turned 37 years old Saturday, but she collapsed in her home on Wednesday after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm – a catastrophic health event that led to her sudden death. 

Her nephew Charlie Zapata broke down while looking back on her young life. 

"She was my counselor. She was my everything," he said. 

Angela was born and raised in Bridgeport and went to Curiale School and then Bassick High School.

Judith Marrero, 14, is Angela's oldest child.

"She was just an amazing mother," she said. "I just loved her so much, she was so wonderful and beautiful."

Zapata's mother is now asking for the public's help in paying for her daughter's funeral. The funeral is expected to take place on Monday at Luz de Paz Funeral Home. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family.