Mukanda Donald Mbualungu

Mukanda Donald Mbualungu was born on June 19, 1965, in Marion, Indiana, to Theodore Ganuma Mbualungu and Jeanne Themua Mukanda. He was the fourth child of the beautiful family, and from the very beginning, he brought joy and love to those around him. Sadly, in the early afternoon of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Leesburg, Virginia, Mukanda departed to heaven at the age of 59, leaving many of us with deep sorrow and heavy hearts. Mukanda’s early years were spent in the vibrant city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he learned the importance of family, culture, and community. He obtained his high school diploma in Mathematics and Physics from Lycée Lisanga in 1984 and moved back to the United States in 1985 to pursue higher education. He first earned his associate’s degree from Hesston College in Kansas and went on to obtain his bachelor’s in computer science with a Minor in Mathematics from Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1991. In a fateful twist of destiny, Mukanda met Brenda Joy Zook in the summer of 1989 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and on August 1, 1992, they were married, beginning a partnership built on love, faith, and unwavering commitment before God, family, and friends. Right after their marriage, the couple started a life of togetherness in the city of Alexandria, Virginia, with the intent of helping Mukanda build a prosperous career in the technology industry around the Washington, D.C. metro area. Mukanda started his career as a software engineer, and in July of 1999, the Lord blessed Brenda and Mukanda by filling their hearts with joy as they welcomed their twin children, Mukanda Junior and Olivia, into the world. Later, in March of 2009, the family grew even larger as they welcomed Charro Ngongo, Mukanda’s nephew, whom Brenda and Mukanda adopted as their legal son from Congo. Mukanda was gifted with a variety of passions. He was a talented artist and had an innate love for storytelling. Congolese music was a daily regiment to him, and although he was not the greatest dancer, Mukanda did not shy away from feeling the rhythm wholly. For many years, he served faithfully at Grace Covenant Church, dedicating his time to help others. He also found peace and purpose in sports such as soccer, American football and basketball, and in the last few years of his life, he embraced fitness with a new vigor. But above all, Mukanda had a special gift for mentoring others, particularly young software engineers, guiding them with patience and wisdom. Mukanda faced many battles in life—especially with his health—but he never complained. His resilience was inspiring, and through it all, he found joy in family, faith, and love. He was a man of rare character with a gentle soul, a heart full of generosity, and a strength that seemed unshakable. He welcomed strangers without hesitation, and every person who entered his home as a stranger left as a friend. His art, his connection to nature, and his quiet moments of reflection were his sanctuaries. His kindness was limitless, and his ability to solve the most challenging problems with grace and humility will be remembered forever. In the spirit of honoring his parents and leading a life of discipleship, Mukanda leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, strength, and resilience that will never be forgotten. He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Brenda Joy Mbualungu; their son Mukanda Junior Mbualungu, their daughter Olivia Mbualungu-Oosthuizen (son-in-law Mateam Oosthuizen), their son Charro Ngongo (and daughter-in-law Monelle Ngongo); 14 nephews and nieces, and 3 precious grandchildren, along with 5 great-nieces and nephews. His siblings — Dr. Emmanuel Mbualungu, Martine Tulula Ndandula, Yvette Ngassa Ngongo, Tina Kafutshi Gasala, and Nadine Themua Kage — mourn his loss deeply, but they also carry his memory in their hearts. Though his time with us was far too short, we are forever grateful for the years we shared with Mukanda. His spirit, his laughter, his wisdom, and his boundless love will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation a cause close to Mukanda’s heart.

Mukanda Donald Mbualungu

June 19, 1965 - May 13, 2025