Dolores Fonseca

Dolores Fonseca, 89, of East Providence, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Ayres Fonseca, Jr. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Maria (DiSano) DelSanto.   

She grew up on Federal Hill in Providence. She was a cook at the Holy Ghost Daycare before retiring. Dolores loved to cook and made some of the best tasting Italian American dishes in RI. Her food evoked warmth and comfort.

Dolores was a devout Catholic. Her faith was the beacon of her strength. She took care of everyone who met her. Her kindness and nurturing spirit were unmatched. She lived her life selflessly, always putting her family first. 

Her laughter was contagious. She had a creative soul, always making up songs and names for the people around her. She loved spending her summers on the boat, docked out at Potter’s cove, soaking up the sun. 

Dolores was an absolute joy to be around. She was her family’s brightest light and will be forever missed. 

She leaves her children, Edward Fonseca (Rosemarie), Steven Fonseca and his late wife Debra, Richard Fonseca (Carol) and Deborah Autiello; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and six great-great- grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Ronald Fonseca, Sandra Jones and Sharon Nolli. Dolores was the sister of the late Cecilia, Vera, John, Carmino, Aldrich, Tony, Evelyn, Anna, Joseph, Jeannette, Michael, Lena and Clementina.  

Her funeral will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 9 a.m. from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Ghost Church, 472 Atwells Ave., Providence. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery Cranston. Visitation Thursday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dolores’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.