Phyllis N. Fonseca ’79

After a two-year ordeal with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), Phyllis died Oct. 11, 2021, in Chelsea, Mass. Evincing a lifelong concern for the welfare of others, she remained true to herself until the end, even giving pointers to the director of her inpatient treatment center.

In the late stages of ALS, she fought to be present for her daughter, Camille, to the point of mastering “eye-gaze” technology to communicate after losing her ability to speak or write. Camille joyfully recalls late-night drives with her mother, singing along to the Supremes.

Phyllis came to Princeton from Medford (Mass.) High School. She majored in psychology and became active in the Third World Center, mentoring younger students of color. Known for her dry wit, she captivated friends with her humor and silliness.

After graduation Phyllis earned a master’s degree at the Smith College School for Social Work, going on to become a clinical social worker at various college counseling centers in the greater Boston area, including Salem State, Wheelock, Emmanuel, and Simmons colleges.

The class extends heartfelt condolences to Camille, siblings Ernest and Maria, her extended family, Princetonians Michelle Osborne ’79 and David McGloin ’82, and many others whose lives she touched.