Bridgewater Mom Dies After Birth Of 1st Child; Fundraiser Set Up

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A joyous and happy occasion for a Bridgewater couple who welcomed their first child turned into a tragedy when Maggie Gilbert died last week because of complications after giving birth.

Maggie Gilbert, 31, died on Feb. 13 after suffering from severe complications following her emergency C-section. Surgeons at University of Pennsylvania hospital were unable to save her life, according to a GoFundMe set up by Ryan Gilbert's sister Kylie Gilbert.

Ryan and Maggie Gilbert were just beginning their lives together. They were married in April 2017 and recently purchased a home in Bridgewater to raise their growing family.

On Feb. 10 the couple welcomed their baby boy, Aiden Patrick, into the world at 32 weeks. Then tragedy struck.

"We are all shocked and devastated by the loss of our beloved Mags at just 31 years old. She was a huge part of our family’s life for the past nine years and Ryan's whole world," Kylie Gilbert said. "She was so deeply loved by everyone who knew her and our lives will never be the same without her."

Kylie Gilbert set up the GoFundMe page to help Ryan support his son, Aiden. All funds will be used for the future health, education, and support needs of Aiden.

The fundraiser had a goal of raising $1 and has almost hit $22,000.

"It is unimaginable that the best and worst days of my brother’s life occurred just days apart, but we are all truly blown away by the incredible strength he has shown," Kylie Gilbert said. "He is focused on being the best dad possible to Aiden, who is currently in the NICU and doing well. He is our only source of comfort and joy right now and we know Maggie will live on through him."

Maggie Gilbert was born in Long Branch. She graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 2007 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Kean University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also attended the MBA program at Georgian Court University, according to her obituary posted by the O'Brien Funeral Home.

Maggie Gilbert loved to watch and play tennis. She was also a water-lover and self-proclaimed 'dolphin', she loved to swim and be at the beach with her family. She loved traveling, going to the movies, and spending time with her husband in their new home.

"All who encountered Maggie had the privilege of experiencing her infectious laugh and huge, kind heart. Maggie will always be remembered for how fiercely she loved her family and friends," according to her obituary.

Her wake will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home in Brick. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St Martha's Roman Catholic Church, 3800 Herbertsville Road, Point Pleasant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maggie’s memory to the Aiden Patrick Gilbert Trust Fund c/o Vernoia, Enterline and Brewer, 91 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876.

For more information or to donate to the GoFundMe click here.

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