São Brás de Alportel mourns community figure Maria Manuela Fernandes

Maria Manuela de Andrade e Sousa Fernandes, widely known as ‘D. Lelinha’, has passed away at the age of 100. A prominent figure in São Brás de Alportel, she was recognized for her lifelong dedication to social causes and community service.

The municipal executive of São Brás de Alportel approved a vote of condolence, describing her as a charismatic and representative personality deeply linked to the municipality's history over the last century. In 2014, she was awarded the Municipal Insignia of Value and Altruism and named one of the most admirable women during the municipality's centenary celebrations.

As the daughter of Dr. Alberto de Sousa, a local benefactor and founder of the São Brás de Alportel Volunteer Firefighters, Maria Manuela maintained close ties to both the firefighters and the town's first school canteen, for which she served as godmother. Municipal President Marlene Guerreiro praised her as a reference figure for the community, noting her extraordinary altruistic spirit and humanitarian sense.