Mary Lou Alfonso died peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in New Bedford, MA, on November 21, 1945, to Julio and Elsie (Andrews) Alfonso. She was a lifelong resident of the city and a graduate of New Bedford High School (class of '63). Mary Lou was an executive secretary for the Diocesan Health Facility Office for 21 years until her retirement. Prior to that, she worked at Continental Screw.

She was an animal lover and often recounted memories of growing up on a farm. She was an avid musician, photographer, and artist who designed her own greeting cards, t-shirts, and Christmas gifts. As a justice of the peace, she presided over countless weddings in her signature rainbow stole. She loved the ocean, historic Route 66, cousin's breakfast, and the time she spent with her family.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and John Alfonso. She is survived by her partner of 32 years, Lea Charpentier of New Bedford, MA; her brother, Norman Alfonso, and his wife Patricia of New Port Richey, FL; her beloved friend Joan Dohne; her stepdaughter, Christie Adamides, and her husband, Andrew Adamides Jr.; her grandchildren, Andrew Adamides and his partner, Andrew Carriere, and Katelyn Adamides and her wife, Maria Adamides; her great-grandchildren, Tiago and Julian Adamides; her cousins; several nephews and a niece.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 28, from 9:30–10:30 AM at Donaghy New Day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford; followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11 AM at the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Mt Pleasant St., New Bedford; and burial in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford.

For directions, please visit www.newdayfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Association for the Relief of Aged Women at arawofnb.org/donations.