Obituary of Besala Bolumbu Fahs

Besala Bolumbu Fahs- Age 78 of Horseheads, NY passed away on February 11, 2022 after living with cancer for more than four years. She was born January 1, 1944 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the daughter of the late Manga Isolumbu and Besala Beyoko. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Nkasa Bolumbu, son Boongo Bolumbu, and sister Bolumbu Manga. She is survived by husband Joseph C and children Monya Nkombe (Bernard) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Loeke Bolumbu of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ikami Sasa (Edmond) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Chantal Luanga of Kinshasa, DR Congo, Denise Iwo (Aristote) of Chessy, France, Joseph M Fahs (Jamila) of El Cerrito, CA, and Marjorie Fahs of Horseheads; 29 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; and her brother Bokya Manga. Outside her inner circle Bolumbu shunned attention but as the Matriarch of her enormous family that spans three continents she was open, engaging, and demanded caring and support for those less fortunate. She was a polygot who spoke five languages and read the Bible daily in three of them, a gifted seamstress who could sew a perfectly sized dress without a pattern, and a dedicated home caregiver for the elderly. However, her greatest achievement was in immigrating all her children from the Congo to provide them opportunities of an education in the U.S. and to make a difference in helping others. Family and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Saturday February 26, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM. Besala's Service will begin at 12 Noon, followed by burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads, NY. Those who are unable to attend the Funeral Services in person may use the following Livestreaming link https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/269969902 The family has asked for people to wear masks. A traditional Congolese Celebration of Life will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in early April. Updated information on this service will be posted on www.lynchsfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Bolumbu's memory to The Park Church, 208 W. Gray St. Elmira, NY 14901 or Catholic Charities (Elmira Community Kitchen), 215 East Church Street Suite 100 | Elmira, NY 14901. Many thanks to the caring staff at CareFirst in Corning, NY. Words of Condolence and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com