Singer, 34, Remembered As 'Kind Soul,' Passes Before Asbury Show

ASBURY PARK — A Toms River woman who was seen as a rising country musician is being mourned after she died on the day she was due to perform at The Stone Pony.

Angela Marie Chiappelli, who was known by her stage name, Anjelia Pelay, died Jan. 10 at age 34, the Asbury Park Press reported, citing confirmation from family members. The cause of death has not been released; a GoFundme campaign was set up to help with expenses.

Chiappelli, a 2004 graduate of Toms River High School East, was described by her family in her obituary on the Mastapeter Funeral Home website as a piano virtuoso at age 5 and had been dancing since she was 2, growing to become an accomplished choreographer.

She "had made her name as a contemporary country pop singer described as 'Janis Joplin sings country,' " her obituary says. "Her songs were songs of strong women with fierce personalities battling unhealthy relationships while simultaneously exposing their vulnerability."

Chiappelli had spent the last 5 years in Los Angeles but had recently returned to New Jersey, the Press report said.

She was scheduled to play at The Stone Pony as part of an opening act for Renaissance Blvd., according to her Instagram account and The Stone Pony's Facebook page.

You can read more here: Singer Anjelia Pelay, 34, Of Toms River Remembered As 'Kind Soul'