Maria (Cabral) Fonseca, 96, of Fall River, widow of Joao dos Santos Fonseca, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022, at home surrounded by family. Born in Faja de Cima, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Joao Raposo and the late Maria Teresa Cabral, she emigrated to New Bedford in 1982 and resided in Fall River for the past 36 years.

She was proud to have become a United States citizen in 2000. A member of the former St. Anne's Church parish, Maria was a devout Catholic and loving matriarch, always praying for her family.

She is survived by: three children, Floriberto Fonseca (wife Serafina) of Swansea, Antonio Fonseca of Fall River, and Eduardo Fonseca (wife Ana) of Fall River; a sister Maria Teresa Gravito of St. Michael, Azores; seven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Joao Carlos Fonseca (wife Teolinda of New Bedford); and sister of the late Eduardo Cabral and Francisco Raposo.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, January 14th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of this pandemic or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!