Patricia Bartosch

June 10, 1963 - December 8, 2020

06/10/1963 - 12/08/2020

Past Services

Visitation
Monday December 14, 2020
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions

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:

Alzheimer’s Association  6350 Center Drive  Suite 102 Norfolk, VA. 23502 or click HERE.
Stop Abuse 101 S. First Colonial Rd. Suite 101 Virginia Beach, VA. 23454
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Lessie Abonyo-James
3 years ago

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.

Julie Miller
3 years ago

Patricia was one of my three best girlfriends for more than 20 years. We met in 1998 when she worked for the American Logistics Association and I for a military magazine publisher. At first I was totally intimidated just watching her work a room at a conference—so beautiful, boisterous and obviously loved by all who knew her. At the next conference we became allies, and the rest of our story began.

We had SO many good times, though never lived in the same town. When I lived in Northern Virginia, we visited back and forth—me going to Norfolk more than she coming to me, which I preferred. On one of her visits, during Kentucky Derby weekend, she was at my home and we went to a favorite pub to watch the races. I had no idea yet what a sports nut she was…to her core!

At the start of our friendship I was going through a divorce. She was my rock as I traversed the new life with my kids. She was tough on me when she felt I was being weak. I needed that. She made me laugh often. I needed that. And she encouraged me when I got back into the dating world—listening to my stories of this guy or that. I recall a lot of eye rolling on her part over some of my choices. She was so intuitive about people. I really needed that too!

When she met Chris—who showed up in her life just at the right time—I was so very happy for her. We three—and my sister and kids at separate times—all enjoyed being with them. And Chris—the perfect guy for Patricia—always knew when we needed “girl time” just to hang out, gossip and laugh. Then he’d be there just at the right time to enjoy some outrageously good meal and many laughs with us.

Our friendship was one of those rare yet beautiful relationships where we didn’t always stay in touch. We let life build up. Then one of us would reach out and we’d immediately pick up where we left off—sharing updates on our lives, families, work; the joys, the sorrows and the ridiculous. I’ll miss her voice and laughter most of all—and that beautiful, expressive face—and her warm, giving, loving spirit.

How I loathe cancer for taking her from us far too soon; and COVID for keeping us apart when we planned for me to visit in the spring. Like her family, closest friends, and dear Chris, my heart is broken. I will treasure our memories and the many photos we took during our visits.

Rest in peace, dear girl. Heaven is already a better place because of you, I’m sure. I’ll always love you. Julie XO

Leslie A Clarridge
3 years ago

To my beautiful Teal Sister, words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling to know that this world has lost another warrior. I’ve always admired your brilliance, your humor and your tenacity. We have lost a bright light and a fierce advocate for good. I am so grateful for the laughs and the fun we had coming up with crazy ideas to raise awareness. You were a voice for the voiceless, and a champion for positive change. The footprint you’ve left in this world will never be forgotten and we will cherish your memory always. All our sympathy and love to your beloved Chris, your family, and all who had the honor of knowing the positive force that was Patricia.

Ginny Harrington
3 years ago

When I think of Patricia, I think of her beautiful smile. She made volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association such a joy. She will forever be in my heart. Chris, you are in our thoughts.

Ronnie Yancey
3 years ago

I met Patricia when I became involved with Stop Abuse. What a delightful, caring and dedicated person with a beautiful smile. I will miss working with her.
Rest in peace my friend