Passage

Fahs, Besala Bolumbu - 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 the Lynch Funeral Home, 318 Broad St. Horseheads on Saturday, February 26

• Visitation/Viewing Hours: 10:30 am to 11:45 am - Lynch Funeral Home - View Map

• Memorial Service: 12 pm to 1 pm - Lynch Funeral Home - View Map

• Committal Service: 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm (approximate) - Maple Grove Cemetery, 715 West Broad Street - View Map

• Repast: 2:30 pm (approximate) at The Center at Park Avenue, 400 Park Ave, Corning, NY - View Map

Please note that masks must be worn at all times during calling hours and the memorial service. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.