Maria S. Fonseca

Our beloved Mother, Wela, Tía Mary, sister-in-law, cherished neighbor, dear friend, and sister in Christ went home to be with our Precious Lord and Savior on June 24, 2026.

Maria is preceded in death by her loving husband, Sam, her son Fidel Fonseca, her parents Pedro and Juanita Sepeda, her siblings Frank, Ignacio (Nacho), Juanita and Clemente Sepeda. 

She is survived by her son Mike and wife Joann Fonseca, grandchildren, Michael and wife Naila Fonseca, Tony and wife Zaddai Fonseca, Aaron Michael, Samuel and wife Kimberly Fonseca, Jarred Adan and wife Kenora Fonseca and Alisha Fonseca. She is also survived by many great grandchildren. 

Our precious “Mary,” or “Maria” as many knew her, was blessed with 99 wonderful years of life, all lived as a faithful servant of God. She was born in the small town of Millett, Texas, where she later met the love of her life, Sam, while they were both still young. They were married and together were blessed with two sons. Determined to build a better life for their family, Maria packed up their belongings, gathered their young boys, and followed Sam to Illinois in search of work and new opportunities. There, she worked in several factories, earning the respect of her employers through her dedication, strong work ethic, and loyalty.

Despite working outside the home, Maria lovingly cared for her family, maintained a spotless house, and devoted her spare time to sewing. Her gifted hands created beautiful, crocheted pieces, elegant wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, and many of her own clothes. Everything she made reflected the love and care she poured into it.

When Sam retired, they returned to Dilley, Texas. Although the transition brought challenges, they remained steadfast in their faith, trusting that God would provide. Through every hardship, Maria never complained. Her greatest longing was simply to have her sons closer, even though they had grown, married, and started families of their own.

Back in Dilley, Maria continued sharing her remarkable talents. She sewed cheerleader uniforms for the local school, crafted bridal gowns, quilted, crocheted, and performed countless alterations for family, friends, and neighbors. She faithfully served others while remaining a devoted wife and woman of faith.

Maria loved opening her home to everyone. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed every guest with warmth and joy. The moment someone walked through her door, she would hurry to the kitchen, filling the table with whatever she had—cookies, crackers, fruit, coffee, and her favorite, potato chips. Somehow, everything she served tasted even better because it was prepared and shared with genuine love.

No one ever left Maria’s home empty-handed. Whether it was a crocheted keepsake, a handmade gift, or something she had lovingly sewn, she always found a way to bless others. Her generosity, kindness, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. She served at Belen Baptist Church ever since she came back to Dilley. She loved to organize the kitchen menus for the church gatherings, and she had a special place in her heart for missions and encouraged the church ladies to participate. Everyone who met her grew to love her. She had a special bond with her neighbors: Gloria, Maria, Lupe, Estella and Chelo. She never forgot her friends and provider Norma.

Friends and family are invited to join in remembering Maria’s extraordinary life. Visitation will take place at Treviño Royal Oaks Dilley Chapel, 604 W Leona St, HWY 85, Dilley, TX, on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Belen Baptist Church, 202 East White Street, Dilley, TX, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Dilley Cemetery.