Mary Manuela Fonseca passed away peacefully at her home in Norwich, Vermont, surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, to Salome and Jacinto Fonseca, she was the youngest of four children. Her family immigrated to Fall River, Massachusetts, when she was five years old.

An exceptionally bright student, Mary Manuela earned degrees from UMass and Brown University, followed by a Doctorate in Education with a focus on bilingual education from Boston University. She married Paul, and after living briefly in England—where they welcomed their daughter Sara in 1983—they settled in Vermont, welcoming their second daughter, Kate, in 1989.

Mary Manuela was a pioneer in early childhood education, dedicating her career to teaching, mentoring, developing licensing programs, and as an educational consultant. Outside of her professional achievements, she was an avid cook, baker, knitter, weaver, gardener, Boston Celtics fan, and mystery reader. She cherished travel, from European treks to annual family trips to Maine. Above all, she was devoted to her family, instilling in her daughters a lifelong commitment to learning and excellence.

Mary Manuela was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Joe. She is survived by her husband, Paul Foster; her loving daughters Sara Bailey (Morton) and Kate Boursiquot (Jon); five cherished grandchildren, Luke, James, Mia, Ethan, and Nora; sisters Ana Fonseca and Adriana Medeiros; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family extends deep gratitude to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Bayada Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.