New Jersey mother dies of COVID just days after giving birth to third child

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) – On one of the most difficult days of their lives, Joanna Jimenez’s family talked about their last joyous occasion – her baby shower.

Baby Ashton was born on February 13 – it was an emergency delivery because Jimenez fought COVID. His mother lost her battle and never had the chance to hold the baby she had carried with care for almost nine months in her arms.

Jimenez leaves behind her three sons – 15-year-old Jordan, 18-month-old Christian, baby Ashton. She also leaves behind her devastated husband, Chad Augustus.

“I’m just trying to stay strong … I want to get my emotions out every day, but I try to stay strong for the kids and the family,” Augustus said.

The family started a GoFundMe page to help her three sons start their lives, without the mother calling family and friends ‘the glue of the event’.

“I had so many experiences and memories with her – she’s always been by my side,” said best friend Cynthia Sanchez.

“I’m so proud of her for the woman she became after having children. She dedicated her life to making sure her children are well,” her brother, John Jimenez, said.

The love is still flowing in the family – they have all decided to take the lead in Jimenez’s grieving mother, Ashton’s grandmother. They say it alleviates her sadness by losing her daughter.

“So we just have to celebrate her life every day,” said her sister, Jacqueline Diaz.

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