Maria Natalia Fonseca

Maria Natalia Fonseca, beloved and compassionate mother and grandmother, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on September 15, 1930, in Covoada, St. Miguel, Azores, Maria lived a full and generous life, marked by kindness and devotion to her family and community. She spent her later years residing in New Bedford.

Maria was employed as an Inspector for Cameo Curtains prior to her retirement, where she was known for her dedication and meticulous work. Her career was a testament to her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Maria was the loving wife of the late Cristovao. She was a devoted mother to Angela Sampaio-Arvisais and her husband Dennis, Armanda Raposo Rowlett and her husband Hugh, Gustavo da Silva Raposo and his wife Armanda, Judite Fernandes and her husband Stephen, Margarida Vasconcelos and her husband Laurindo, and Grace Aguiar and her husband Manuel. She cherished her role as a grandmother to her eleven grandchildren, Nancy, Chris, Vanessa, Ricardo, Jessica, Eric, Marco, Damien, Sherry, Pedro and Rita; her seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her dear friend, Maria Medeiros and her many friends here and back home in the Azores.

In her personal life, Maria enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting and loved to sing. These hobbies were a reflection of her nurturing spirit and her ability to create warmth and comfort for those around her. Maria was a comical woman by nature, yet a devout catholic. During Maria's youth she loved to act in various plays.

She was a longtime sister of the Nossa Senhora do Carmo in St. Miguel.

Maria's legacy is one of love and generosity. She loved her family dearly and was affectionately known as the Mother of the poor in her neighborhoods, a testament to her kind-hearted nature and her commitment to helping others.

Maria will be remembered for her generous spirit, her compassion, and her unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

Maria's family would like to thank the Staff at Hathaway Manor for the care given to their mother during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Maria's honor may be made to:

Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton MA 02460 or https://www.alz.org/

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00PM in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 10:00AM in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, 136 Earle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746. Burial in St. John's Cemetery.