Lynne "Di" Fontes

Lynne "Di" (Saunders) Fontes, 61, of New Bedford passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospital. 

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John W. "Jack" Saunders and the late Rosemary F. (Martin) Saunders, she was raised in Dartmouth and lived in Dartmouth and New Bedford for most of her life.

She was formerly employed as the office manager at Pier Oil Company in New Bedford for many years until her retirement.

Di was a loving mother who loved going to the beach, tanning whenever she could, traveling, and watching true crime shows.

She is survived by her two children, Kaylie Aguirre and Nathan Fontes; four siblings, Luanne Lee and her husband Jim, Joanne Costa and her husband Gilly, Jackie Shepley, and Kathy DaCosta and her husband Tom; her companion and former spouse, Peter Fontes; and many nieces and nephews.

Her visiting hours will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Private burial in Riverside Cemetery will be held at a later date. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.