Friends, family and colleagues gathered at the wake of a female Stamford police officer Thursday to mourn the loss of a woman who touched hundreds of lives in the community.

Stamford Police Officer Marcia Stella died suddenly last Saturday at the age of 36. Police believe Stella?s death was related to her work on the force. Police say she died after complications from surgery she underwent to repair injuries she suffered on the job back in 2003. Those injuries were sustained when she broke up a fight at a middle school.

Marc Stella says his wife fell asleep with her daughter in her arms, and died in her bed a few hours later. Those closest to Marcia Stella say she was a loving wife, a caring mother and a strong and proud police officer. Marc Stella says while he'll miss everything about his wife, he's at ease that her smile and spirit will live on with their children.

Stamford police officers marched from St. Mary's Church to the Cognetta Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held Friday.