Charlotte M. Kabungu

Charlotte Kabungu was born on July 17th, 1953, to her parents Raymond Kabungu and Suzanne Ngombe in Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of Congo. After proudly graduating in clothing design at IZAM in Kinshasa, she got hired by one of the biggest companies in the Congo to become a quality inspector and staff recruiter at the Gecamines in Lubumbashi, Katanga.

Married to Leonard Luongwe, together they had 6 children, and they kept their house doors opened for everyone.  Charlotte didn’t only raise her own children but any children who had been entrusted to her. Thus, making Charlotte the Mum of all. Beside her children, about 20 other children were brought up in her household and today all of them are proud women and men with significant status in the society.

Charlotte’s eternal smile was only matched by her elegance. Always classy and dressed to the nines, her other signature was her social side. Charlotte was everyone’s friend and never discriminated. From the great tables in the upper echelons of society to the poor and ordinary people her smile came first as a sign of caring and compassion.

Christian catholic like her parents, the Saint Elois chapel was her other home. She taught Christian and moral values to her children. Discipline, order and cleanliness were the big 3 she lived by her all life. She always expected a well-done job and perfection. Charlotte had such love for music, from church concerts, gospel, African jazz fiesta to Grand master Franco, Madilu System, Claude Francois, Julio Iglesias…Mc Solaar, Lil Wayne or Fally Ipupa were also in her playlist. Her culinary talents remain undisputed to this day.

From Congolese to European cuisine, Charlotte was a Maestro in the kitchen. Charlotte loved movies and popcorn, going out for dinner and she never really waited for summer to enjoy ice-cream. Gardening was another hobby, and she had a green thumb. There is so much more to talk about Charlotte since she’s such a sparkling galaxy full of a million colors and lights…. only God knows why He wanted her back to Him. To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. Charlotte gave more and never expected in return, if you really been around her then you know. Her dreams were bigger than life, they were inspired by hope, resilience, strength, visions and love. Charlotte lived for the simple things and wanted the bigger for her loved ones.

Her beautiful spirit will be our consolation, she gone physically but have known her as Grandmother, Mother, Aunt, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, sister and friend leaves us a part of herself in of us.  She is survived by her sons: Christ Rafiq Luongwe, Randy Kabungu Luongwe, Adam Maloba Mutombo Luongwe, Jonathan Kantenga Luongwe, Berny Twite Luongwe and daughters: Heri Mbuya Apikake Luongwe, Tanya Kabungu Ngoie and Pierrette Mwenze Kisonga. Her grandchildren: Alliance Santos, Michael Santos, Joyce K. Luongwe, Dahlia M. Saa, Sakinah B. Luongwe, Ayanah Luongwe Kabungu Mujinga III, Luna Luongwe and Barack Leonard Luongwe. Her daughter-in-law: Jaime Lynn Luongwe. Her brothers: Joao Kabungu, Emile Kabungu, Christian Kabungu, Alain Kabungu and his wife Odette Kisumbule, Patrick Kabungu and Gabriel Kabungu. Her sisters: Liliane Kabungu and Jeanne Kabungu.  

Arrangements:
Visitation- Friday, January 20, 2023 from 6PM to 8PM at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.

Celebration of Life service- Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 10AM at All Nations Christian Fellowship Church of CT, 350 Millville Ave., Naugatuck. 
Visitation will be held at the church from 9AM to 10AM.

Interment will immediately follow in Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross St., Naugatuck.

You are invited to share a fond memory, photo and words of comfort for Charlotte's family on her Tribute Wall on this website.

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