Community remembers Milwaukee pastor killed in hit-and-run crash

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Mourners lit candles to honor the life of Sylvia Tiwari Sunday night. The 65-year-old woman was killed Thursday after a hit and run crash.

About 100 people came to remember Sylvia Tiwari at a vigil in a parking lot next to the building she owned, housing a church and daycare facility. As tears shed, there were also smiles, laughter and joyful songs to celebrate Tiwari's life.

"She would give you the shirt off of her back," Sylvia's Great-Niece Sharonda Hughes said. "She would open her doors to anyone, she was that kind loving person." 

Tiwari’s life was cut short when a speeding driver who was running stop signs near 33rd and Walnut struck her vehicle killing her and injuring her daughter on Thursday night. Her family is now calling for change.

"Every day. Car crashes, police chases every day. Laws aren't harsh enough I don't believe they are," Hughes said.

Sylvia Tiwari was a pastor at Amazing Grace Church and Ministries’. She also was the Director of Janet's Daycare in Milwaukee. Jennifer Reed's daughter attends the daycare. Reed says she was heartbroken to hear of Tiwari's loss.

"It was hard just to know that she was taken so instantly," Reed said. "We had just said bye to her a couple hours before that."

Family tells CBS 58 Tiwari's daughter will have surgery Monday. She was taken to the hospital and suffered several broken bones after the crash.

Milwaukee Police have arrested one person in connection with the fatal hit-and-run, but are still searching for at least two others.