Clara M. (Charles) Fonseca, 90, of New Bedford died August 19, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late Manuel J. Fonseca.

Born in Alcolu, SC, daughter of the late Lionel Burges and Martha A. (Charles) Evans, she lived Brooklyn, NY before moving to New Bedford in 1990.

She was formerly employed at Aerovox for several years until retirement.

Clara enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and a great-grandmother.

Her legacy includes her children, Carolyn Caughman of New Bedford, Kenneth Fonseca, Valerie Fonseca and Bernice Fonseca, all of Brooklyn, NY, San Juan Wheeler of Atlanta, GA and the late Rodney Fonseca; a sister, Rhunetta Johnson of Atlanta, GA; 8 grandchildren, Matrese Fonseca, Charles Fonseca, Brittany Fonseca-Coker and her fiancé Erik Rudolph, Shantaya Fonseca, Jylil Fonseca, NyJuan Valente, Cecilia Fonseca and Austin Wheeler; 8 great-grandchildren, Xzavia Fonseca-Williams, Uzziah Gamboa-Haith, Josiah Gamboa-Haith, Nataleyah Coker-Rodriguez, Eriyah Rudolph, Brayan Rudolph, Christopher Stephens and Julius Stephens; and a host of nieces and nephews.


Her private Funeral Service was held on Monday, August 24th in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., Burial followed in Rural Cemetery. There will be a public Celebration of Life at a later date.