ForeverMissed
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***There are 2 separate links for each the Mass and Burial services.***
Mass at St. Joseph's Church: 10A http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/73201895
Burial at Elm Grove Cemetery: 11:30A http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/15948655
Melinda Faye Segunda Pritchett, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2020 after complications with childbirth. She was born on March 8, 1983 to Melodia Macapagal Pritchett and Clark Pritchett, in New London, CT. Melinda was very modest about her accomplishments and talents. Her desire to help others drove her into  selfless service as a lifelong healthcare professional. She graduated from The Williams School in 2001 and Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Spanish minor in 2005. Melinda worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland as an active duty registered nurse for the U.S. Army,initially as a 1st Lieutenant on the orthopedics ward from 2005-2007 and then as a Captain in the intensive care unit from 2008-2009.  She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2012 earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and moved to Tampa to work at a clinic for the underserved community. Here is where she met her husband and love of her life Joseph M. Kuziomko.  Melinda and Joseph moved to the nation’s capital where she continued her education and earned her second master’s degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2016.  Afterwards, she continued her clinical profession at a local family care clinic within Washington, DC. 

Melinda joined the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps in April of 2018 and was recently promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, as a supervisory nurse practitioner and patient disability compliance manager. She was proud to propose and implement recommendations for improvement based on established national care standards. Additional military recognitions include: Captain, United States Army, Individual Ready Reserve (2009–2013), Public Health Service Unit Commendation (2018), Army Commendation Medal (2007), Army Achievement Medal (2006, 2007), and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal (2005). 

Although her life was cut short, she touched many people from all walks of life within her professional career and personal life. Melinda’s smile was infectious and brightened the room, and everyone who has been to one of her soirees knows she throws the best. A caring person we all wanted to be around, who fostered long enduring friendships despite distance and time. She was the perfect best friend. Melinda was a talented dancer starting as a toddler and danced throughout her life. Even as an adult she enjoyed competitive ballroom and salsa dancing with the Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company.  She modeled being healthy and environmentally conscious; she enjoyed long hikes with her husband, claimed farm to table meals as her favorites, and minimized her carbon footprint whenever possible. Fluent in Spanish, she most recently served as volunteer English as a Second Language tutor. Melinda also loved to travel, an adventurous spirit that was beautifully matched in her husband Joseph.  She traveled throughout the U.S and the world to over 25 plus countries, including studying abroad in the Philippines, visiting family, working as a traveling nurse, through service and research projects as a Nurse Practitioner in Peru, and even saying “yes” to her soulmate on a beach in Thailand.  Melinda and Joseph were a vibrant couple who lived life to its fullest, a passion that Joseph will pass on to their daughter whom Melinda loved deeply. Melinda will forever be looking over Adelina from heaven. The world has lost a truly remarkable and talented person.

Melinda is survived by her husband Joseph Kuziomko and daughter Adelina Joy Maribel Kuziomko of Jersey City, NJ; parents Melodia and Clark Pritchett of Waterford, CT; brother Travis Pritchett of Huntington Beach, CA; parents-in-law Letty and Vince Kuziomko of New Port Richey, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Leah Kuziomko and niece Violet; close aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends who will miss her dearly.  She is predeceased by her uncle Dindo Macapagal in April.

public viewing was scheduled at  Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service (181 Ocean Ave, New London, CT) on September, 17, 2020 from 5-7:30 pm.  The graveside service was held at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT on September, 18, 2020 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her memorial fund. You may attend the service virtually by clicking JOIN LIVE STREAM  on her obituary page or links above. 
This memorial website was created in memory of Melinda. Please share your best memories as we celebrate her life. If you would like to keep your message private, feel free to message rememberingMFSP@gmail.com. In her honor, seek moments of adventure, travel, dance, and selfless service whenever possible. 
March 8
March 8
Love you boo! Feliz cumpleaños- thinking of you as we see the spring sunshine and new blossoms coming out.
September 4, 2021
September 4, 2021
I have thought about Melinda frequently in the last year. Every time I see something I had with me at Officer Basic Course or see my maternity uniform that I was going to send her, I think of her. She was so caring and kind and greatly missed.
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
You are in our hearts, Melinda. Happy birth week. It is so fitting that your birthday has become International Women’s Day. The world misses you dearly.
March 8, 2021
March 8, 2021
Happy heavenly birthday Melinda ❤️ You are missed.
September 14, 2020
September 14, 2020
I remember when Tita Melinda came to visit me in NY. She stayed over and brought me to my first day of kindergarten the next day. She also let me make bracelets when she made another time. I'll never forget her family-loving spirit. May she fly high.
September 13, 2020
September 13, 2020
Dear Melinda,

You were a true and wonderful friend. We have been friends for so long, through so many places and so many stages of life, and you were always so thoughtful, consistent, and caring. We always managed to find one another wherever we were, even if it was just for a short visit, and it was like time hadn’t passed and we had never been away from each other. 

There are so many things I admired about you. You were a wonderful dancer. I remember watching you in a performance in high school- you lept so high and were so graceful, it is something I will always remember. You were so talented and it was mesmerizing to watch. I will miss seeing you dance again, even the crazy dances you did with Vicky. 

You had a great sense of style. I loved how unique your taste was, and you had such vision. I remember you telling Alex that one of her sweaters was your favorite color, and it immediately became her favorite sweater and her favorite color because her stylish Aunt Melinda liked it. I also remember how beautiful your wedding reception was. I was amazed at how you transformed a room into a wonderful reflection of you and Joseph. I remember looking at the reception hall and thinking “how could you have any idea what to do”, but you did and it was beautiful. 

You had so many accomplishments, and you were so modest about them! I truly did not know about half of them until recently, and I am just beyond impressed and proud of you. You were so smart in how you pursued your career, so diligent in your work, and balanced in your life. You were a truly talented person.

My favorite thing about you was your perspective. I loved hearing you tell stories, even about simple everyday things. You were so funny. You had such good insight and I knew you would truly understand what I meant. I was so looking forward to your perspective on motherhood and it makes my heart ache to know I won’t hear it. After years of friendship I also learned how to tell the casual from the significant when you calmly shared your news. I remember you telling me about Joseph for the first time, Even though you had only been dating for a few weeks, I knew by the way you said it and the look on your face that he was very important.

Melinda, I will always miss you. I will miss our phone dates, your crazy and right-on stories, and your beautiful smile and calm influence. I will miss you at every life event, and I will miss celebrating our 40th, 50th, and 75th birthdays together. My heart is broken for you, Joseph, and Adelina, and you will be forever missed and remembered.

Love,
Amanda
September 12, 2020
September 12, 2020
My dear friend and college roommate, you will be missed. My years at TCU would not have been the same without you. I will cherish all our memories together. Melinda, I am so grateful for our friendship and especially thankful that we got to hang out in NY and Houston last year. I hope to meet Adelina one day and tell her how awesome her mom was. Til we meet again, roomie.

September 11, 2020
September 11, 2020
One of my fondest memories of Melinda was dancing together. We have known each other since we were three years old. We attended nursery school together and then dance classes from an early age. We loved dancing and would often catch up in ballet, tap, jazz and modern classes. I would sometimes meet her at her house to practice for performances and afterwards we would look over our costumes, excited at the prospect of wearing them on stage. When we weren’t dancing, we were hanging out, watching movies, shopping and going out to eat.

But then, after we spent one year of high school together, I moved away to Italy when I was 16 and haven’t lived in the US since. Melinda always made a point to stay in touch. I would see her each time I came home. She’d always put in an effort to see me during one of my short trips, sometimes driving from hours away. Oftentimes, she would would write ahead of time, asking when I would be home so that she could plan to visit me. Then there was the summer I interned in Washington DC after studying in Paris. She took me around, introduced me to people and we finally had the chance to go out like we used to in middle and high school.

No matter how much time we spent apart it was never awkward to see Melinda again. She was one of those friends you knew you’d have for life. She was one of my dearest friends from childhood. She was also one of the first friends I ever had. In many ways, through her actions Melinda taught me what friendship was. What I cherish most, even as it pains me to write this after learning of her tragic passing, is her loyalty, humility and perseverance. You knew Melinda would always be there no matter how much time passed or how far away we were from each other, even if I missed, due to distance, important milestones like weddings and birthdays. She was soft-spoken yet confident of her path. She knew early on she wanted to help others which led her to her career in nursing, touching the lives of so many people in distress around the world. She was one of the most accomplished, giving, talented and loving people that I knew. But it was her humility and kindness that shed her light. She lived her life for others. I always admired the grounded approach that she took to life, even as she embarked on adventures around the world. There was always this sense of collected calm about her as if she knew everything would be alright. Sometimes she would laugh and say, “Rebecca, you worry too much.” And yes, I always did and still do at times worry too much. I’ve lost a very dear friend, and the world, a pure and loyal soul. I know that you will always be looking down on us, sharing your light as you will for Adelina and Joseph and everyone else. I will always be dancing with you.
September 11, 2020
September 11, 2020
Melinda was my roommate at OBC. She was so kind to me in my stage of pregnancy during that time and I was so excited when she shared with me her pregnancy. We kept in touch over the past year as her excitement grew. I am saddened by this terrible loss of a vibrant, caring wife, mother and officer. She will be truly missed.
September 11, 2020
September 11, 2020
Melinda, we crossed paths for a few years at TCU and your bright spirit left an impact with everyone you knew. I don't know that I ever saw you without a big, sincere smile. My prayers are with and for your friends and family. Thank you for bringing joy into the world.
September 10, 2020
September 10, 2020
To Melinda's friends and family, I extend my deepest sympathies on this terrible and unexpected loss. Melinda was a bright light in the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service. She will be deeply missed.
September 10, 2020
September 10, 2020
You were a joy and a pleasure to call a friend. I cannot believe you left us so soon. Our time at Walter Reed and the fun we had outside of work are memories I will always cherish. My you have peace my friend, I love you.

CPT Anne Jones
September 10, 2020
September 10, 2020
Melinda was a fellow Army ROTC cadet with me at Texas Christian University and graduated in the year after my class. I remember her for being both smart and tough for persevering through military training when others chose to quit. It is a shock to learn of her passing at such a young age. Her family has my deepest condolences during this difficult time period
September 9, 2020
September 9, 2020
A bright shining light: Melinda was kind, caring, sensitive and intelligent. We watched her grow from a sweet pretty three- year- old into a beautiful accomplished young woman. Melinda and our daughter, Rebecca, first met in nursery school. A close friendship developed, nurtured by a mutual love of dance. We treasure the memories of watching Melinda dance in performances over the years, culminating in a special memory of Melinda and Rebecca performing a ballet duet at The Williams School during their junior year. Melinda was always a faithful friend, staying in touch through the college years, graduate school, and as both girls moved on to their careers. How many beautiful memories we have to cherish. Truly it was a privilege to have known Melinda Pritchett. Our hearts and deepest condolences are with her family, with Joseph and with Baby Adelina at this time. Martha and Robert Proctor
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
Dearest Melinda, you are part of some of my fondest memories of TCU, when we were both seemingly invincible college students. I remember being in awe of your many talents, not only were you an intelligent and empathetic nursing student but you were also a graceful dancer, a strong ROTC cadet, and boy did have an amazing sense of style. What a truly powerful force you were. May God bless your family and give your loved ones strength and patience. Rest well in Heaven sweet friend.
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
My dear Melinda, your life was a blessing for all of those who knew you. Distance was not an obstacle for our friendship, all I can say is that you will be missed beyond measure.
You might be gone from our sight, but never gone from our hearts. Te quiero amiga... Descansa en Paz.
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
Melinda, I still can't believe you are gone. I am gonna miss our extremely honest conversations. There aren't many people on earth who are kind, caring and straight-forward. I have been rehearsing all the things we go to do and I am so grateful that you were intentional in our friendship. You were an amazing friend and I will miss you dearly. Rest in heaven my friend.
September 7, 2020
September 7, 2020
Melinda was so generous and had a candid soul. I will never forget the dancing nights and your great company. Heaven is receiving a beautiful soul. Rest in peace.
September 6, 2020
September 6, 2020
To my dearest friend Melinda. I wish you eternal peace. Know that your tribe will forever look over Joseph and baby Adelina. We miss you dearly. I’m honored to have called you a friend, sister, godmother to my children.

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Recent Tributes
March 8
March 8
Love you boo! Feliz cumpleaños- thinking of you as we see the spring sunshine and new blossoms coming out.
September 4, 2021
September 4, 2021
I have thought about Melinda frequently in the last year. Every time I see something I had with me at Officer Basic Course or see my maternity uniform that I was going to send her, I think of her. She was so caring and kind and greatly missed.
Her Life

Biography

September 9, 2020
Melinda Faye Segunda Pritchett, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2020 after complications with childbirth. She was born on March 8, 1983 to Melodia Macapagal Pritchett and Clark Pritchett, in New London, CT. Melinda was very modest about her accomplishments and talents. Her desire to help others drove her into  selfless service as a lifelong healthcare professional. She graduated from The Williams School in 2001 and Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Spanish minor in 2005. Melinda worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland as an active duty registered nurse for the U.S. Army,initially as a 1st Lieutenant on the orthopedics ward from 2005-2007 and then as a Captain in the intensive care unit from 2008-2009.  She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2012 earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and moved to Tampa to work at a clinic for the underserved community. Here is where she met her husband and love of her life Joseph M. Kuziomko.  Melinda and Joseph moved to the nation’s capital where she continued her education and earned her second master’s degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2016.  Afterwards, she continued her clinical profession at a local family care clinic within Washington, DC. 

Melinda joined the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps in April of 2018 and was recently promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, as a supervisory nurse practitioner and patient disability compliance manager. She was proud to propose and implement recommendations for improvement based on established national care standards. Additional military recognitions include: Captain, United States Army, Individual Ready Reserve (2009–2013), Public Health Service Unit Commendation (2018), Army Commendation Medal (2007), Army Achievement Medal (2006, 2007), and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal (2005). 

Although her life was cut short, she touched many people from all walks of life within her professional career and personal life. Melinda’s smile was infectious and brightened the room, and everyone who has been to one of her soirees knows she throws the best. A caring person we all wanted to be around, who fostered long enduring friendships despite distance and time. She was the perfect best friend. Melinda was a talented dancer starting as a toddler and danced throughout her life. Even as an adult she enjoyed competitive ballroom and salsa dancing with the Fusion Urbana DC Dance Company.  She modeled being healthy and environmentally conscious; she enjoyed long hikes with her husband, claimed farm to table meals as her favorites, and minimized her carbon footprint whenever possible. Fluent in Spanish, she most recently served as volunteer English as a Second Language tutor. Melinda also loved to travel, an adventurous spirit that was beautifully matched in her husband Joseph.  She traveled throughout the U.S and the world to over 25 plus countries, including studying abroad in the Philippines, visiting family, working as a traveling nurse, through service and research projects as a Nurse Practitioner in Peru, and even saying “yes” to her soulmate on a beach in Thailand.  Melinda and Joseph were a vibrant couple who lived life to its fullest, a passion that Joseph will pass on to their daughter whom Melinda loved deeply. Melinda will forever be looking over Adelina from heaven. The world has lost a truly remarkable and talented person.

Melinda is survived by her husband Joseph Kuziomko and daughter Adelina Joy Maribel Kuziomko of Jersey City, NJ; parents Melodia and Clark Pritchett of Waterford, CT; brother Travis Pritchett of Huntington Beach, CA; parents-in-law Letty and Vince Kuziomko of New Port Richey, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Leah Kuziomko and niece Violet; close aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends who will miss her dearly.  She is predeceased by her uncle Dindo Macapagal in April.
Recent stories
September 11, 2020
I worked with Melinda at Walter Reed on Ward 57. She was a lieutenant and I was just a lowly specialist. I watched her care for the wounded soldiers that became friends every day. She was always happy and now that I think about it quite an inspiration to be around and work with.  I’m truly saddened by her loss, she was a great woman

A Gentle Soul, A Kind Spirit

September 7, 2020
Melinda was a very kind soul, intelligent, giving, with a heart of gold. Easy to work with, easy to work for! She was an awesome soldier, an excellent USPHS Officer, and a great Clinician (nurse practitioner). She brought a positive vibe, a bright light, a smile, and a little laughter to work with her to work every day.  She provided top notch care to an underserved population, she frequently accomplished the impossible with limited resources and always did it without a complaint. She was an Angel in scrubs quietly toiling amongst us called back home way too soon. 

The  aforementioned is just a miniscule glimpse of her recent clinical life. She is that magnified and will be missed on a multitude of levels:

Wife, mother, friend,  confidant, sister,  aunt, daughter,  granddaughter, niece,  nurse,  nurse practitioner,  teacher,  lunch partner,  break time buddie, work out partner,  road trip partner, co-chef, bad joke teller, and all around genuine good person!

I miss you Hard Charging
CDR  Sidney  Hairston,  USPHS 

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