Melanie Kabenga Meta

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Melanie Kabenga Meta, who peacefully departed this life on March 11, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on April 4, 1953, she was the beloved daughter of Francois Xavier Mubenga Kabuya and Kaja Agnes wa Kazadi.
Melanie was raised and educated in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa, where she pursued her passion for creativity and earned a bachelor's degree in Tailoring and Fashion Design. She dedicated her professional life to both education and entrepreneurship, working as an administrator at the Department of Education while also successfully running her own tailoring and fashion business.
After moving to the United States, Melanie continued her pursuit of knowledge and earned a certificate in Nursing Assistant and phlebotomy, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and service.
Melanie was the devoted wife of Tshibamba Christophe Mbiye and a loving sister, mother, auntie, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her cherished brothers, Francois Mubenga, Camille Kazadi Mubenga, Alfred Luboya Kalala, and Pierrot Kazaku; and her dear sisters, Ida Odia, Veronique Malu, Jannette Tshavua, and Madeleine Ngalula. She is united in eternal peace with late brothers, Sylvestre Mutombo and Gaby Mubenga; and late sisters, Doudou Ntumba and Kaja Mubenga. Melanie was a loving mother and mother-in-law to Lydia and Alain Luboya, Francis Mbiye and Mireille, Bambi and Marcel Mpiana, Leatitia Mbiye, Jean-Luc Mbiye and Jocelyn, Kaja Agnes and Andy Kadima, and Prisca Mbiye.
Her greatest joy in life was her family and her community. Her legacy of love continues through her treasured grandchildren: Roland, Marc, Jason, Alby, Melamie, Roland, Kevin, Preston, Dylan, Elsa, Maheva, Steven, Janet, Jordan, Malaika, Andye, Aizley, and Avyan.
Melanie's kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though she has left this world, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Melanie, may you be welcomed in the arms of the Heavenly Father!
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, March 21, 2025, between 4:00–8:00 PM, at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA. A funeral mass will be offered on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Patrick Parish, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.