A vigil was held Sunday for a beloved mother who headed up a parent advisory council at a Bridgeport school.

Maria Silva died unexpectedly of health complications on Thursday, leaving the entire community at Luis Munoz Marin School in shock.

Friends say the 39-year-old became sick Thursday morning and passed away without warning.

Co-workers and fellow parents came together in prayer outside the school Sunday, holding hands and wiping away tears.

In addition to being a teacher in the after-school program there, Silva was the president of the Parent Advisory Council, or PAC, and was well-known for being a team player.

Silva was the mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 2. 

The wake will take place Monday at Luz De Paz Funeral Home followed by a memorial service on Tuesday.

A fund has been set up to help pay for the funeral. Donations can be made at the funeral home.