Mudiwa “Mike” Munyikwa, compassionate surgeon
Dr. Mudiwa “Mike” Priviledge Munyikwa, 57, of Lewes, born April 13, 1963, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
Born in Gutu, Zimbabwe, Dr. Munyikwa was a graduate of Fletcher High School before attending Cambridge University, where he discovered his love of medicine. After medical school at the University of Zimbabwe, Dr. Munyikwa felt called to further his training in the United States, where he completed general surgery residency and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. For over 15 years, Dr. Munyikwa provided life-saving care at Beebe Healthcare. Always ready to operate at any hour for anyone who needed him, his steady hand shepherded countless patients through their hour of need.
Compassionate and insatiably curious, Mudiwa took joy in his community, family, country and the simple pleasures of life in Lewes. A voracious reader, he developed a passion for the stock market and astronomy. On warm nights, he could often be found studying the night sky through his telescope, contemplating his connection to humanity. Mudiwa loved the sea, and spent many of his happiest hours on the ocean with his loved ones. Although the operating room was his calling, his dream was to someday retire in Zimbabwe when he felt his life’s work was done.
Mudiwa was preceded in death by his father, Elijah Munyikwa; and his brother, Eliah Munyikwa, alongside whom he wished to be laid to rest on the family farm. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Preachess Vellah; his daughters: Michelle Munyikwa and Zanele Munyikwa (Tanya); his mother, Eneah Munyikwa; his brothers: Kennedy Munyikwa and Emanuel Munyikwa; and his sisters: Patience Nyemba and Loneliness De Souza.
A public viewing will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Munyikwa would wish that all who would like to pay their respects protect the safety of their families and communities. A private celebration of Mudiwa’s life will be held Sunday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. All are invited to participate via livestream. A link will be available on Mudiwa's tribute page at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Fletcher High School fund; address details forthcoming.
Please visit Mudiwa’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
