Mariatu Conteh

In the tender embrace of sorrow, we bid farewell to a luminous soul whose grace, kindness, and

boundless generosity touched the lives of all fortunate enough to cross her path. We mourn the

loss of a phenomenal woman whose selflessness knew no bounds, whose caring embrace

offered solace to the weary, and whose humble spirit shone brightly in every act of love

bestowed upon family, friends, and strangers alike.

Mrs. Mariatu Conteh graced this world with her presence on Lombard St. in the vibrant East End

of Freetown, Sierra Leone, on the 15th of December 1959. Born to parents, Pa Sheka and Mrs.

Musu Koroma, she brought joy and warmth to their home. As the youngest of two sisters, she

weaved a tapestry of familial love and camaraderie that defined her life story.

Mrs. Mariatu Conteh’s journey of learning and love took her from the hallowed halls of Bishop

Johnson Memorial High School in Freetown to the shores of the United States in 1980, where

she embarked on a new chapter alongside her husband, Hon. David Bai Conteh. Determined to

expand her horizons, she pursued higher education while simultaneously nurturing her growing

family, ultimately achieving the esteemed title of Licensed Practical Nurse. Her unwavering

dedication to both her profession and her role as a nurturing mother was a testament to her

strength and resilience.

Throughout her career, Mariatu graced the corridors of esteemed healthcare institutions,

including Alexandria Hospital and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, where her

compassionate care and unwavering commitment to healing touched countless lives. Her

tireless efforts in the healthcare field mirrored her boundless generosity and kindness in her

personal relationships, evident in the multitude of friends who gathered to honor her memory

during her homegoing ceremony.

Mariatu’s radiant personality and genuine friendliness endeared her to all who had the privilege

of crossing her path. Her ability to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those she

encountered, both in the United States and in her homeland, speaks volumes to the depth of

her character and the breadth of her impact. Tragically, Mariatu departed this world on March

9th, 2024, at the University of Maryland Medical Center, coincidentally located on Lombard

Street.

Mariatu Conteh’s legacy of love and light lives on through her cherished family, including her

husband, Hon. David Bai Conteh, and her beloved daughters: Aminata Mamusu Conteh, Esther

Mabinty Barrie (nee Conteh), and Mary Angela Conteh. She found immense joy in the roles of

mother and grandmother, embracing with open arms her son-in-law, Sheriff Ahmed Barrie, and

her five adoring grandchildren: Makai Barrie, Zion Lebbie, Zachariah Barrie, Tenneh-Marie

Barrie, and Mariama Barrie. In addition to her immediate family, Mariatu leaves behind a

treasured circle of relatives, including her elder sister, Adama Koroma, and cousins Yeabu

Daramy and Alusine Turay. Her legacy extends to a host of nephews, nieces, and beloved

brother and sister-in-laws, all of whom were touched by her kindness and grace.

But Mariatu’s impact reaches far beyond familial ties. She cultivated deep and lasting

friendships that enriched her life and those of countless others. Her warmth, compassion, and

unwavering support were a beacon of hope and comfort to all who knew her. As Mariatu’s

earthly journey comes to a close, her memory remains a source of solace and inspiration for

those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with this earthly angel. Though her

physical presence may be gone, her spirit will continue to show through the lives of many, both

near and far. She will be dearly missed, yet her legacy of love and compassion will endure for

generations to come.

As we celebrate her life, we honor a sweet, god-fearing guardian angel who forever changed

our lives with her enduring love and unwavering kindness.