Tributes To Alexandra Aparicio: The Heart & Soul of REFUNITE️
We write this letter with heavy hearts, sharing with you all that we’ve suddenly lost our wonderful friend and colleague, Alexandra Aparicio.
A few people from the thousands Ale knew, shared their thoughts and wishes:
“For more than 15 years Alexandra was with us. No one was more excited than her when reporting a new family reconnection, forging a new bond between community leaders, or helping a community find their way to a better life.
Countless thousands of people have, through the work of Ale, found their missing children, siblings, parents or friends. She was the heart and soul of REFUNITE, and it’s heartbreaking to know we’ll never again hear her cheerful voice on our weekly calls, bursting from excitement with a new family reunited, or a new development somewhere in Uganda or the Congo, which she couldn’t wait to share.
Her memory will forever live on in the lives of the people she helped, and in our hearts.”
— Christopher, David, Philea, El Fuego, Yegor, Joelle, Moses, Eric, Prince, Alexander, and everyone else from the REFUNITE family, past and present.
“Ale was the encyclopedia of any story that ever happened in Refunite since day one; every search for missing person, every reconnection story, every challenge encountered, every decision we ever made, and every milestone reached.
Ale had a tremendous impact on all who got to know her. We will all miss her spirit, devotion, guidance, significant contribution, ideas, warmth, and even her unique laugh more than words can express. She was not just our co-worker but our good friend as well. She will be missed immensely by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Refunite won’t ever be the same without her. My days won’t be the same without her 😥. I have known Ale for 5 years and our relationship was getting closer and stronger every day. She was so gentle, kind, and helpful in so many ways. I am honored to be able to know her and work beside her.
Our dearest Alexandra Aparicio, may you rest in peace.
✨ We love you, very very much.” — Philea A. Bartels, Refunite Co-worker, Hannover — Germany.
“There are no words that could describe the deep pain of Alexandra’s passing.
I have known Ale for seven years, and I had the privilege of working closely with her as her assistant for five years. She was not only a colleague but a friend, mentor, a big sister to my family and myself. Ale was that light that no one could resist following, she was a kind guiding star.
Ale left hundreds of families reconnected on every single continent, thousands of communities transformed for the better in over 40 African countries and beyond, and impactfully reaching over 90 million people in cities, refugee camps, villages, and settlements. As a devoted humanitarian, Ale was a true example of selfless dedication to the betterment of lives of people she didn’t know and most of the time never met. It was a blessing to know, grow, and learn from Ale.
We lost our guiding star, we lost our voice, we lost a builder of people, and the world lost an angel’s soul.
Adeus querida irmã Alexandra.”
— El Fuego Mutaz, Refunite Co-worker, Kampala — Uganda
“Dedication and hard work are what I learned from you, not by words alone but by example as well.
We used to refer to you as “Mom” at workplace for your generosity and openness to your employees, which made us feel more valued and cared for.
You would never be forgotten, the reconnections between families and their missing loved ones are some of the achievements of great impacts engrave in our hearts.
Fare Thee Well, our dearly departed!”
— Erick Kwete, Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Kenya
“You have been a great mentor, a person I could run to anytime I felt down, I truly miss your smile, your voice, your legacy, and hard work will live on”
— Joelle Nyamoga, Refunite Co-worker, Kampala — Uganda
“Ale was a remarkable, respectable, and kind person; a good leader who was always ready to listen, help and guide her subordinates/colleagues; she was compassionate and kind to everyone.
Ale was a role model for many people in everything she was doing; She sacrificed herself for the cause of others.
Yes, words fail me to describe who Ale was, and how good she was.
It is a great loss for the humanitarian world to lose a person of good qualities like Ale; who was passionate and dedicated to the humanitarian cause.
Indeed, she left marks and good memories wherever she passed! We will commemorate her forever!
May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
— Prince Naguhesi, Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Uganda
“This is unbelievable sad news to me!
Ale, you will remain in our heart as our beloved one, I know I will miss all your beautiful stories you used to tell us but thank you for making me a great call center agent.
My condolences to your family for the unbelievable sadness in our life. I will never forget you.”
— Moses Mareng, Refunite Co-worker, Kampala — Uganda
“This is sort of story of how met the late Ale. I met her in 2014 for the first time, from far I could you this is a jovial person, from her smile and how she was talking. As time passed, we worked closely with each other on the same task.
She was so passionate about her work, following up on every step, every move, and every progress we were making in this mission of reuniting families worldwide.
She was ready to learn and asked us how we can improve this work, she was coming up with strategies, asking for new ideas on how to move, what are the people's feedback, all these was love she had for the helpless.
Ale was someone who could tell you the truth while looking at you straight in the eyes, no matter how the truth hurts.
Rest in peace Ale, until we meet again.”
— Yannick Muyumba, Former Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Kenya
“My best memory with Ale remains the day I facilitated my first reconnection. It was a very emotional moment and I enjoyed sharing it with Ale.
Very recently, last year August, when I was giving birth and I had tested positive for COVID, I saw an aspect of Ale that melted my heart. She was overly concerned, called my husband when I was in theater, and tried all she could just to know if my baby and I were out of danger. My family and I truly appreciated that care and concern.
Rest well, Ale!”
— Christelle Kamanzi, Former Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Kenya
“Ale was a mother figure to me. I looked at her as a model leader I would like to be one day, a good person to me a life-changing inspiration.
May her soul rest in peace.”
— Abdoul Baramba, Former Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Kenya
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and my entire team during this difficult time. Throughout the time, you’ve been my boss, you’ve shown me wisdom, kindness, and courage. Rest in Peace, Ale.”
— Farhiya Bishar, Former Refunite Co-worker, Nairobi — Kenya
“Alexandra was a person of loving and kindness of heart, she reconnected me with my son even though she didn’t know me. May her soul rest in peace!”
— Therese Polindogo, Reconnection between the mother (Idaho/USA) and the son (Burundi) on 5th January, 2022, Idaho — USA
“She was a very important person and cared for others. She gave us our lost family back by making sure that we found our missing loved ones and reconnected us. For all she did for us may God remembers her.”
— Mwangaza Florence, Reconnection between aunt (Michigan/USA) and her nephews and nieces (Burundi) in 25th May, 2022, Michigan — USA
“Alexandra helped heal my internal wounds. She reconnected me with my younger sister after 10 years of separation. When my children asked me: mom, do you have a brother or a sister? I could not say a word because the pain was too much. Because of REFUNITE and her, I now tell them that I have a sister, and she is alive.”
— Sandrine Nkiriyibi, Reconnection between older sister (Perth/Australia) and her younger sister(Congo DRC) on 7th December, 2021, Perth — Australia
“I cannot believe this… We have just met and now Alexandra is no more?
In the name of JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service), we extend our heartfelt condolences to you, your team, the whole organization, and the family of Alexandra. May her soul rest in peace.
We are in spirit with you and your whole team and in case we can do something, please let us know.
In deep sorrow, too, and in unity with prayers for you all.”
— Christina Zetlmeisl, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Kampala — Uganda
“I will forever miss your radiant smile and great energy you showed everytime you came to the hub (co-working office space). May your soul rest well eternally.”
— Godwin Numala, Hive Colab, Kampala — Uganda
“I met Alexandra in the lift and met again when she came to talk about what my organization does. It is a shame that we lost her even before my organization, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap, would get a chance to work with her. I loved her smile whenever I met her.
May the good Lord Jesus Christ comfort all her family and friends, until we meet again. Love you, Ale!”
— Rebecca, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap, Kampala — Uganda
“I have not interacted with Alexandra as much, but I met her one time in the Hive Colab boardroom. One thing I noticed immediately was her strength an she had such an aura, there was something about her. I kept peeping in their office meeting, it’s sad that she’s passed away without the chance of having a longer interaction. But for the work she has done, I cannot believe there is a human with such a big heart. Her life is to be celebrated, for the lives she has touched directly and indirectly. I am honored to ahve met her.
May her soul rest in peace. And to the family, keep the faith strong for it is good.”
— Mariam, Africa 118, Kampala — Uganda
“So sad to hear about the death of Alexandra; may the good Lord receive her soul in His Kingdom, and bring comfort to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Rest in Peace Alexandra.”
— Stella, Africa 188, Kampala — Uganda
“Alexandra was a kind soul, someone we will miss.
I have been inspired by her story and the work she committed her life to, her passing is a huge blow but I’m confident her life has impacted many like me who will continue what she started.
May she rest in peace!”
— Sandra Awili, Padshare, Kampala — Kenya
“Alexandra was a kind humble person. She was my friend. I used to call her dear boss each time she’ll come to the office.
I cannot start even to believe she is gone! But dear Ale’s family, I know that such a loss is so sad and heavy to bear, but remember that Ale is in a better place now. May you find comfort in the faith she had in God. I’m the security guard who would welcome her at the entrance of her office building every day.
May her soul rest in peace!”
— Bernard, Security guard — Baumas Security Holding Limited, Kampala — Uganda
“I am having trouble wrapping my head around my friend Alexandra’s passing. I am surprised, shocked, heartbroken, wounded.
Despite the sadness, I would like to all her family members that Alexandra was a very good person and a loving person which anyone could see even through her work here in Uganda.
In deed, as they say in my culture: Good people don’t live longer because God loves them so much”. Let’s keep praying for her soul.
May the Lord make her life rest in peace!”
— Chotwe Jackline, Security Guard — SGA Security, Kampala — Uganda
“Alexandra was a social, kind, and loving person, a hardworking lady. I used to see her moving her colleagues always with a smile on her face passing me at the front desk of her office building. My word of encouragement to her family is that Alexandra fought the good fight on earth through her humanitarian work. She finished the race of life and kept the faith as written in 2 Timothy 4:7–8.
Alexandra, we will always miss you until we meet again.
Revelations 14:13 — Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
Stay strong family. May God be your comforter.”
— Sandra Awili, Padshare, Kampala — Kenya
“My deepest sympathy and caring wishes to the family of Alexandra. Wishing you the courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts forever. We shall always remember Alexandra and celebrate her life that she dedicated to serving humanity. It is without doubt that she lived a fruitful life and will be rewarded with a peaceful rest.
My heart sincerely goes out to you.”
— Bridget Nakakuyu, Hive Colab, Kampala — Uganda
“It is unfortunate to learn about the sudden death of such good friend, Alexandra. I used to call her my friend, because she will always smile whenever she meets or talks to me, and that was heartwarming. I liked her, I pray that the good Almighty Lord strengthen her family. May her soul rest in peace.”
— Iren, Hive Colab, Kampala — Kenya
“Nice people make their exit from this planet faster than evil people. I lack words to express my deep grief over what I should call the “mysterious” passing of my phenomenal friend whom I took as my Mom. She touched lives without leaving a space for doubt in our hearts. Indeed I remain grateful to God for the lifetime opportunity to meet and work with Alexandra in Uganda. If not, I wouldn’t have been able to fathom the incredible loss her death has brought to her friends, Refunite and your family as well. But all in all, God already knew it and he divinely arranged her transfer back to her home country to see her family for the last time on earth. God is amazing.
Please accept my deepest sympathy, and may the good Lord comfort and strengthen your hearts as well as ours.”
— Elly Karegyeya, Refunite consultant, Kampala — Uganda
“EAU (Expat Assist Uganda) has not only lost a sister, a close friend, and a passionate worker. The world has lost a sweet soul who selflessly worked hard and cared for everyone’s happiness and satisfaction for a better life.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.”
— Tinah, Operations Director of Expat Assist Uganda, Kampala — Uganda
“These are devastating and horrific news. I am deeply shocked that Ale is no longer with us. May she Rest In Peace. Although the gap will be impossible to fill, the positive legacy she leaves behind will thankfully stay with us forever.” — Claudia Simler, Former Refunite Co-worker
“It’s a great loss… really I was extremely shocked because I knew that she was preparing herself to go to visit her family and we used to talk from time to time. She was so kind and sweet, so passionate about her work and she used to help and support everyone. My heart is crying since I knew.
May her soul Rest In Peace in the merciful hands of our lord. We will complete her mission and her road carrying her in our hearts. My deepest condolences to her family, her colleagues, and her cases. I’m going to miss you so much, sweetheart.”
— Amani Ibrahim
“I just can’t believe this! I never told her, but my first daughter was named Alexandra just because of her. This is a big loss. Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again!”
— Rody Bashizi
“Heartbreaking news! One of the kindest people and a true humanitarian who inspired me and many. Because of her passion, I met Dave and Chris and got to know about Refunite. Rest In Peace, beautiful soul.”
— Hania Tabet
“She was truly a hero! We worked together in Kenya and she really inspired many families by introducing a tool that really connected the missing person. She really also motivated and gave me hope when it came to my work, may her soul RIP, we will miss you.”
— Victone Lwenya
“ALEXANDRA APARICIO. It is with deep sorrow to learn you’ve gone. You’ve been an inspiration and a true leader. Thanks for your support & guidance when you employed me at #REFUNITE. You will be missed forever not only by me but thousands, millions of people for your great, passionate heart and devotion towards helping and solving displacement while reconnecting refugees and families. Rest in Peace.”
— Chairmando Mus
“Rest with the angels, Ale, indeed the world has lost a gentle caring soul. I shall miss you terribly but will keep our close memories of our time together. Kwaheri dada lala salama.”
— Angela Ng’ethe
“Condolences to the family and the entire Refunite team. She was much loved and will be deeply missed.”
— Kirsten Mikkelsen
