METROPOLIS (WSIL) -- Cindy Dunevant Ervin graduated with her Master's in Social Work in August.
She started working at her dream job shortly after, married Jake Ervin in September and had her dream wedding in November.
Now, her family is waiting for her death certificate to be signed.
"As soon as she accomplished everything she wanted to accomplish, this tragedy happened," said Ervin's daughter Emily Holland.
Ervin passed away on December 11th, after being hospitalized for COVID-19.
"She was worried about me getting COVID because I'm a diabetic. And she thought that my immune system wouldn't hold up. And it turned out she was the one who had the harder time with it," said Ervin's husband, Jake.
Ervin was a recovering addict with 12 years of sobriety, who dedicated her life to not only turn her own life around, but to help others who were struggling.
"She really had a heart for people that were addicted. And were alcoholics, or whatever the case might be. Because at some point, she decided to stop," said Jake Ervin.
Ervin's grandson, Elliot Dunevant, remembers his grandmother, for her kindness.
"If somebody was having trouble in life she doesn't really worry about herself. She worries about helping other people," said Dunevant.
Holland remembers how hard it was to not be at her mother's side while she battled for her life.
"Yeah, that was really the hardest part was not being able to be by her bedside while she was sick in the hospital. And I'm sure millions of other families are going through the same thing. And it's just heartbreaking that there's really nothing you can do," said Holland.
Now, Ervin's family is sticking together to give each other strength.
"She jump started my heart. And to give up now would dishonor her memory," said Jake Ervin.
A GoFundMe page for Ervin's final expenses can be found .
