Our loving, sweet mom, Maria Ribeiro Fonseca Tavares "Mangan", passed on at Mass General Hospital on September 8, 2023 surrounded by family. She was born on May 26,1934 in Cape Verde on the Island of Brava to the late Antonio "Nenezinho" Victor Fonseca and Isaura "Zai" Ribeiro Fonseca. She grew up in Brava and migrated to the United States in the 70's. She dedicated her life caring for her parents, siblings, family, friends and of course her children whom she loved to the core.
Mangan was known for being the sweetest and helping the world. Her generosity extended beyond here as she continued caring for people back home in Cape Verde. With her bible always by her side, she enjoyed shopping, cooking, gardening and sewing. She was very passionate about her birds and singing Cape Verdean church songs.
She was loved and adored by her siblings, Auzenda "Zinha" Correia, Matilde "Tila" Soares, Richard "Duca" Fonseca, Joaquim "Jack" Fonseca, Edith Pereira, late sister Ernestina "Nista" Bala and a host of life long friends.
She was blessed with her loving and caring children, Daniel Tavares, his wife Maria "Zizi" Tavares, David Tavares, his wife Rita "Mitcha" Tavares, Antonio "Tony" Tavares, Isaura Tavares, Maria "Bethy"Tavares, Isabel Tavares and Ernestina "Tina" Tavares, 14 grand kids, 4 great grandchildren, many God kids, nieces and nephews.
Ma, God gave you the strength to raise and love your kids and grandkids. What a Great mother you are! You are the best. We are honored and beyond blessed for a mom as beautiful as you. We promise to continue your united legacy with courage, love and respect for each other like you taught us. You have left us with a heavy heart and we will miss you everyday.
Maria's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10 AM in the International Church of the Nazarene, 286 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740 all are invited to meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 5:30-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.