Muriel "Mitch" Altenburg

Muriel Frances Altenburg (née Realmuto), affectionately known as Mitch by her loved ones, was called to her eternal home on January 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 9, 1931, in New York, NY, Mitch was a beacon of light to all who knew her. Her passing in Woodbine, MD, is marked by a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith.

Mitch was the cherished matriarch of the Altenburg family, a role she embraced with grace and joy. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Arthur Altenburg, with whom she shared a blessed union filled with mutual respect and affection. Together, they raised a family grounded in Christian values, instilling in their children the importance of compassion and kindness.

She is survived by her loving children, Janice, Jeffrey, Judy, and James Altenburg, and her adoring daughter-in-law, Joy Altenburg. Mitch was a proud grandmother to Joshua, Zachary, Cloe, and Jillian Altenburg, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her gentle guidance and humorous anecdotes will be deeply missed but fondly remembered at family gatherings for years to come.

A graduate of Hunter College, Mitch taught thousands of students over 40 years during her career as an educator, mostly spent teaching high school math. She was recognized by her peers and students as having a gift for opening minds with patience and love. Her impact on her students was deep and she made the world a better place through them. Mitch's life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit. She walked through life with an unwavering trust in her Savior, and her actions reflected the love she had for her Lord and Savior.

Friends and family will recall Mitch's infectious laughter and how it could light up a room. She had an unparalleled ability to find humor in the everyday and to share that gift with everyone around her. Her funny stories and playful jokes were a source of joy and will be remembered as a hallmark of the happy times shared together.

Above all, Mitch was loving. Her heart was an open door, always welcoming, always understanding. The love she gave was a reflection of her faith. She loved without expectation and gave without hesitation, her actions a living sermon of the values she held dear.

As we bid farewell to Muriel Frances Altenburg, we do so with the assurance that her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. We celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey that continues beyond the veil, confident that she is at peace in the loving arms of her Creator. Mitch's memory will be cherished, her lessons held close, and her presence sorely missed until we meet again.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 16th from 4pm-7pm at HARRY H. WITZKE'S FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 17th at 11am followed immediately by the interment at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Marriottsville, MD.

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