The Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School, named after the distinguished Massachusetts state senator Mary Leite Fonseca, has often been pronounced incorrectly, raising the question: is this the most mispronounced school in Fall River?

The name "Fonseca" is of Portuguese origin, traditionally pronounced as "fon-SEH-ka," with the emphasis on the second syllable. Despite this, many locals tend to say "fon-SEEK-a," shifting the vowel sound slightly but still placing stress on the second syllable.

This subtle difference may seem minor, but it completely changes the intended pronunciation of her name.

A Legacy of Service

According to Legacy Obituaries, Mary L. Fonseca was an influential figure in Massachusetts politics. A graduate of Durfee High School, she had aspirations of attending college but opted to work to support her family. Her career included roles at the Fall River Public Library and the U.S. Census Bureau before her tenure as a state senator from 1953 to 1984.

At the end of the day, the Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy of Senator Fonseca's contributions to education and public service.

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A Common Misstep?

Is this truly the most mispronounced school in Fall River? Perhaps. The takeaway is how many years the school's name has been said incorrectly, and the Lord knows I'm guilty of this tenfold.

Let's make an effort to say it right: fon-SEH-ka. After all, it's not just about phonetics, it's about preserving the legacy of a remarkable woman who shaped Fall River's history.

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