Patricia Bartosch, 57, of Norfolk, VA, passed on peacefully at home on December 8, 2020, following a long illness. She was 57 years young, and she leaves a legacy of light and love.
Born in Brighton, England, Mundia “Patricia” Mumeka, was a colorful storyteller and a tireless advocate for others. She is survived by her fiancé and partner of 21 years, Chris Lewis (Norfolk, VA); her parents Dr. Lundondo and Cecilia Mumeka (Springfield, VA), a sister Angela Mumeka (Springfield, VA); and brothers Patrick Mumeka (Cleveland,OH) and Dominic Mumeka (Alexandria, VA).
After graduating from Georgetown University (she entered her freshman year at 16), Patricia pursued a career as a nonprofit consultant, where her rare gifts flourished. Her intellectual rigor and relentless compassion served many. She was committed to numerous causes, including the Alzheimer’s Association and Stop Abuse, an organization formed to prevent child sexual abuse.
Patricia was articulate, confident, and joyful. She had a strong point of view about myriad subjects: politics, social change, childhood access to education, and sports (the New England Patriots and the Triple Crown, in particular). She was fiercely loyal and devoted to those she loved, especially to her fiancé Chris. She had a wise presence, an infectious smile bookended in deep dimples, and a profound impact on everyone she met.
Patricia had an incredible ability to make life less confusing. She considered problems welcome challenges; after all, they presented opportunities to be one’s best self. Her sister Angela describes “Patricia-isms” as the unique one-on-one advice Patricia offered when we found ourselves in prickly situations and sought her help. To Angela, Patricia would often say, “Ok. You’ve been warned. All I will say is proceed with caution.” A thoughtful intellect, Patricia frequently would draw upon famous quotes of international political realism from Hans Morgenthau to further contextualize the situation.
Patricia was and will forever remain the light of her loved ones’ lives. She kept us grounded, helped us put things into perspective, forced us to get up, and encouraged us to get on with it.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to either of the organizations that Patricia was so passionately involved with below:
Date: Monday, December 14, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location:
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
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Lessie Abonyo-James posted on 12/16/20
Patricia and I met more than 30 years ago, when she worked briefly with me at the Ugandan Embassy. We have been friends ever since . When you’ve been friends this long, it’s hard to pinpoint one particular incident that would define a true friendship. I can however describe ours as fun, full of laughter, joyful, playful and lots of love. My heart is broken but the memories of our friendship and her infectious smile will stay with me forever. I will miss my beautiful friend dearly. Chris, you are in our thoughts. May the Lord bless you, the Lewis family and the Mumeka family, and give you strength as you deal with your grief. Rest In Peace my beautiful friend. Rest In Peace.