Maria A. (Marasa) Fortin

Maria A. Fortin, at the great age of 92, peacefully entered into eternal rest on October 2, 2026, at her home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, surrounded by her five children. Born on February 24, 1934, in South Philadelphia, Maria came from humble beginnings and built a beautiful life centered on family, love, friendship, humor, and an unmistakable presence that remained with those fortunate enough to know her. Above all else, Maria’s greatest joy and deepest source of pride were her five children. Family was the heart of her life, and she was, in every sense, its matriarch. She created a family bound by closeness, loyalty, laughter, tradition, and an enduring love for one another. She is survived by her son, Thaddeus (Mindy); her daughters, Thérèse Walsh (Kevin, d), Bernadette Dutton (Chris), Christina Ludin (David), and JoAnne Hopkins (Dave); her fourteen grandchildren, Caroline, Stephanie, Matthew, Jaclyn, Joey, Natalie, Kathryn, Madeline, Grace, Jack, Anna, Thomas, Will, and Danny; and her seven great-granddaughters, Lila, Palmer, Sienna, Nina, Noelle, Emilia, and Ava. Maria met her husband, Jack Fortin, while the two were working at 7-Up in South Philadelphia. Maria worked as a secretary and bookkeeper, while Jack was a truck driver. They married in 1958 and shared 54 loving years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 2012. Together, they built the family that would become Maria’s greatest legacy. While raising her five children, Maria took over her father-in-law’s business and managed it independently from her home throughout the 1970s and 80s. In doing so, she balanced the responsibilities of running a business with the demands of raising a large family, a reflection of her determination and capability. Maria had a remarkable gift for making people feel truly seen. This was especially evident in the relationships she shared with each of her fourteen grandchildren. No matter how large her family became, she made each one feel uniquely special. She called often to check in, remembered the details of people’s lives, and affectionately called those she loved “Doll.” When Maria spoke with you, she had a way of making you feel as though you were the only person in the room. That warmth extended far beyond her family. Maria was one of those rare people whom everyone seemed to know and remember. People went out of their way to greet her, ask about her, and spend time in her company. Maria’s generosity was another reflection of the care she showed others. Throughout her life, she supported dozens of charitable organizations, giving quietly and consistently to causes that mattered to her. Maria carried herself with pride, grace, and ease. Always beautifully put together, her sense of style reflected something deeper than appearance alone. She embodied the Italian ideal of bella figura, bringing care, dignity, and intention to the way she presented herself and lived her life. She was also known for her quick wit, insight, and wonderful sense of humor. Maria was the beloved daughter of Francesca and Giuseppe and sister to Marianna, Paul, and Rita. Over the course of her 92 years, Maria created something far greater than a family tree. She shaped a family culture rooted in affection, humor, pride, closeness, and the belief that the people we love should always know how deeply they are cherished. Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation October 7th, at 9:30 AM at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli PA. Funeral mass to follow at 11 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Maria’s memory to The MHE Research Foundation (mherf.org).