In Memory of Melinda-Continue Her Love for Adelina
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A Tragic Loss
On September 4th, 2020, our dear friend Melinda Faye Segunda Pritchett passed away unexpectedly, after complications with childbirth. Melinda went in for a routine induction, but due to a fetal heart rate complication she required an emergent C-section to save her child. Shortly after birth, Melinda went into cardiopulmonary arrest requiring CPR. After a long effort to revive her by the whole medical staff team, Melinda passed away.
Melinda created so much joy in this world, and had such a way of bringing people together—she truly changed our lives, for the better and forever.
She was the best kind of friend—one who went out of her way to see you and catch up, and always made time for friends and loved ones. It is for that reason that Melinda’s group of friends is enormous. To friends and loved ones all over the world, we invite you to come together, to share stories about a time that made you laugh or an adventure you shared.
Melinda and Joseph were such an awesome team—soulmates for sure. They were thoughtful and intentional with their friendships, welcoming, fun-loving, and downright hilarious. They were the couple everyone wanted to be around. An afternoon, weekend, or simply an hour spent with them was always filled with laughter. There was always room and an extra plate of food at their table.
Adelina
Melinda has given us one more gift to treasure and to care for—her daughter Adelina Joy Maribel. Adelina is the physical representation of the love that so many of us felt in Melinda’s presence. Innocence, joy, laughter, and unbridled potential. We know Joseph will continue to cultivate Melinda’s love for their daughter. We are all excited to see the wonderful father Joseph will be. Melinda will forever be looking over Adelina from heaven. We hope to support Joseph and Adelina in any way we can, and to continue shining the light Melinda brought to each of our lives.
The Impact of Your Support
Your donation will help cover immediate needs including Melinda’s extra funeral costs, support for Adelina’s future education (as Melinda believed education is a vital part of life), and contribution to organizations working on maternal health.
Melinda’s Vibrant Life
While Melinda’s life was cut short, she lived a life of service. As a part of the United States Army as well as a healthcare and a public health professional, Melinda improved the lives of many. After graduating from Texas Christian University, Melinda worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland as an active duty registered nurse for the US Army in the orthopedics ward and intensive care unit from 2005-2009.
She completed her Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in 2012. She moved to Tampa to work as a Family Nurse Practitioner where she met her husband and love of her life, Joseph Kuziomko. Melinda and Joseph returned to Maryland where she continued her education and earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2016.
Melinda joined the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps in April of 2018 as a supervisory nurse practitioner and detainee disability compliance manager. She was proud to propose and implement recommendations for improvement based on established national care standards.
She modeled being healthy and environmentally conscious—claiming farm-to-table meals as her favorites, enjoying running and hiking, and actively minimizing her carbon footprint whenever possible. Wherever life took her, Melinda always found ways to volunteer in her local community. Fluent in Spanish, she most recently served as volunteer English as a Second Language tutor.
Melinda loved to travel throughout the U.S and the world. She visited family and studied abroad in the Philippines, worked as a travel nurse, participated in service projects, and conducted a public health research project in Peru. Melinda’s adventurous spirit was beautifully matched by Joseph’s. They welcomed many couchsurfers into their home and traveled together whenever they could. Melinda even said “yes” to her soulmate on a beach in Thailand.
Melinda was a talented dancer. She started as a toddler and continued throughout her life. Melinda enjoyed competitive ballroom and salsa dancing with the Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company. Check out Joseph and Melinda's first dance at their wedding!
Share your story about Melinda
Melinda touched the lives of many and she will be dearly missed. We kindly request that you send us your thoughts, short stories, and pictures of Melinda on her Obituary page. These mementos will be shared with her daughter.
Services will be livestreamed on September 18th at 11:30 am EDT. More information can be found here .
On September 4th, 2020, our dear friend Melinda Faye Segunda Pritchett passed away unexpectedly, after complications with childbirth. Melinda went in for a routine induction, but due to a fetal heart rate complication she required an emergent C-section to save her child. Shortly after birth, Melinda went into cardiopulmonary arrest requiring CPR. After a long effort to revive her by the whole medical staff team, Melinda passed away.
Melinda created so much joy in this world, and had such a way of bringing people together—she truly changed our lives, for the better and forever.
She was the best kind of friend—one who went out of her way to see you and catch up, and always made time for friends and loved ones. It is for that reason that Melinda’s group of friends is enormous. To friends and loved ones all over the world, we invite you to come together, to share stories about a time that made you laugh or an adventure you shared.
Melinda and Joseph were such an awesome team—soulmates for sure. They were thoughtful and intentional with their friendships, welcoming, fun-loving, and downright hilarious. They were the couple everyone wanted to be around. An afternoon, weekend, or simply an hour spent with them was always filled with laughter. There was always room and an extra plate of food at their table.
Adelina
Melinda has given us one more gift to treasure and to care for—her daughter Adelina Joy Maribel. Adelina is the physical representation of the love that so many of us felt in Melinda’s presence. Innocence, joy, laughter, and unbridled potential. We know Joseph will continue to cultivate Melinda’s love for their daughter. We are all excited to see the wonderful father Joseph will be. Melinda will forever be looking over Adelina from heaven. We hope to support Joseph and Adelina in any way we can, and to continue shining the light Melinda brought to each of our lives.
The Impact of Your Support
Your donation will help cover immediate needs including Melinda’s extra funeral costs, support for Adelina’s future education (as Melinda believed education is a vital part of life), and contribution to organizations working on maternal health.
Melinda’s Vibrant Life
While Melinda’s life was cut short, she lived a life of service. As a part of the United States Army as well as a healthcare and a public health professional, Melinda improved the lives of many. After graduating from Texas Christian University, Melinda worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland as an active duty registered nurse for the US Army in the orthopedics ward and intensive care unit from 2005-2009.
She completed her Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in 2012. She moved to Tampa to work as a Family Nurse Practitioner where she met her husband and love of her life, Joseph Kuziomko. Melinda and Joseph returned to Maryland where she continued her education and earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2016.
Melinda joined the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps in April of 2018 as a supervisory nurse practitioner and detainee disability compliance manager. She was proud to propose and implement recommendations for improvement based on established national care standards.
She modeled being healthy and environmentally conscious—claiming farm-to-table meals as her favorites, enjoying running and hiking, and actively minimizing her carbon footprint whenever possible. Wherever life took her, Melinda always found ways to volunteer in her local community. Fluent in Spanish, she most recently served as volunteer English as a Second Language tutor.
Melinda loved to travel throughout the U.S and the world. She visited family and studied abroad in the Philippines, worked as a travel nurse, participated in service projects, and conducted a public health research project in Peru. Melinda’s adventurous spirit was beautifully matched by Joseph’s. They welcomed many couchsurfers into their home and traveled together whenever they could. Melinda even said “yes” to her soulmate on a beach in Thailand.
Melinda was a talented dancer. She started as a toddler and continued throughout her life. Melinda enjoyed competitive ballroom and salsa dancing with the Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company. Check out Joseph and Melinda's first dance at their wedding!
Share your story about Melinda
Melinda touched the lives of many and she will be dearly missed. We kindly request that you send us your thoughts, short stories, and pictures of Melinda on her Obituary page. These mementos will be shared with her daughter.
Services will be livestreamed on September 18th at 11:30 am EDT. More information can be found here .
Fundraising team: Friends Of Melinda (5)
Sean Maloney
Organizer
Jersey City, NJ
Joseph Kuziomko
Beneficiary
Carolyn Rhodebeck
Team member
Kathryn Lee
Team member
Laura Thompson
Team member
Stacy Nam
Team member