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Newtown Mom, School Librarian Erica Alterio Dies Suddenly, 33: 'Her Presence Was Magnetic'

A beloved former teacher, librarian, and cancer survivor who was a devoted mother has died at 33, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. Now, friends are rallying to support her grieving family.

Erica Alterio

Erica Alterio

Photo Credit: Erica Alterio Facebook photo

Erica Leigh Alterio, of Newtown, died on Jan. 14 after a brief illness. She would have turned 34 on Feb. 7.

A graduate of Central Connecticut State University and Fairfield University, Erica worked as a librarian at the Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies in Danbury, her obituary said. She also spent several years as a computer teacher at St. Mark School in Stratford.

Dozens shared heartfelt tributes after her untimely death, with many noting her kindness, compassion, and endless love and support. 

"Erica’s presence was magnetic—her kindness, her warmth, her ability to make everyone feel valued and loved," Pastor Jacqueline D. Gilchrist wrote on Facebook. "My husband and I were blessed to be biker buddies with her husband, Mike, and Erica, along with their beautiful daughter Anastasia, would often meet us at the destination restaurant at the end of our rides. On long-distance trips, Erica would follow behind us in her car, her support and love always constant."

A GoFundMe campaign for her husband and daughter has raised more than $30,000 as of Wednesday, Jan. 29, just shy of its $35,000 goal. More than 270 people have donated.

"She went through so much these past few years, but she faced it with a positive attitude and determination, no matter how hard things got," her husband, Michael Alterio, wrote in the fundraiser. "And I am a better person for knowing her, loving her, and for all of the memories we made together. ... And although I was only meant to love her for a short while, at least here on this Earth, no matter how far apart we are, wherever in the universe she may be now, I will always keep her memory close to my heart and will love her and miss her dearly."

A family member shared in a social media post that Erica had recently survived breast cancer, but the medications and treatments weakened her immune system.

A funeral was held last week at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown.

For more information on the GoFundMe, click here.

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