Mary Fonseca
December 25, 1932 - November 17, 2023
The Fonseca family mourns the passing of Mary Fonseca (née Gonsalves) who died peacefully in Concord, California, on Friday, November 17th. A Christmas baby, she loved celebrating holidays and was known as an excellent hostess who went all out for her guests. Originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts, her family moved to the Bay Area in the 1950s. She often told the story about wondering when the snow was going to start falling during her first winter in California. She was an Orinda resident since 1976 and quickly fell in love with the Lamorinda area, exploring and discovering her new favorite stores, bakeries, and restaurants.
She was a member of Santa Maria Church in Orinda and was active in local Bay Area organizations. For years she applied her skills working for Luso-American Financial where she was an asset to the organization. She met her future husband, Emidio, at a reception for sailors while he was in the Portuguese Navy. After a long courtship while he sailed the world, they were married. Their neighborhood home was a favorite of trick-or-treaters who got to experience the elaborate and over-the-top decorations both inside and outside the house on Halloween. She celebrated special occasions with enthusiasm and had a passion for fashioning costumes, giving gifts, and creating fun experiences.
As a child, she became fascinated with movies during Hollywood’s Golden Age and was a lifelong film buff. Her enthusiasm for films made her an expert on all things related to movies, and she had an extensive film collection ranging from classics to screwball comedies, two of her favorite genres. She was known to be quite the ham herself and was a hilarious performer whenever given a stage.
She came from a large and loving family and was surrounded by relatives throughout her life. Her parents, originally from Madeira, Portugal, taught her to be a proud American, and her experiences growing up during World War 2 solidified her patriotism. She was out of the country on vacation during the tragic September 11 attacks and returned shortly after, proudly wearing red, white, and blue as she got off the plane at SFO.
In addition to her husband Emidio, she is mourned by her daughter Anna Chapman; her son, David Fonseca; her daughter Sandra Gardiner; her two grandchildren, Marie Delaney and Joe Delaney; her great-grandchild, Dezi; and her sons-in-law, John Chapman and Robert Young.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mericia (née Costa) Gonsalves; her brother Bill Gonsalves; her sister Norma Drouillard; and her sister Martha Panzer. She is survived by her brother Nelson Gonsalves.
The family welcomes donations to Hospice of the East Bay, The Alzheimer’s Organization, or Community Concern for Cats in lieu of flowers. Mary also asked for Mass Intentions in her name.
A Vigil for the Deceased (Rosary) will begin at 10am on Thursday, December 7th at St. Cecilia Chapel at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am. Reception to follow at 12:30pm.
