Dolores A. Duarte

Dolores Duarte passed away peacefully on April 14th 2025, at the age of 86, at her home in Acushnet Massachusetts. Born on January 18th 1939 in New Bedford Massachusetts to the late Francisco and Irene (Raphael) Pavao.She is also predeceased by her stepfather Manuel Perreira. She lived a full life filled with love and laughter.

Dolores was a devoted wife to her husband of over 70 years, John Duarte,was a loving mother to her children, and a source of strength and love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Throughout her life, Dolores brought joy to all around her with her kind heart and was a pillar of unwavering strength to her family. She was a personal care attendant for many years and lovingly cared for her special needs grandson, Zachary. She enjoyed playing cards and yahtzee with her family as often as possible and also enjoyed making her famous hot dog soup for her family whenever they were sick. She was always taking care of everyone around her and loved spending time with her family. The memories made with her will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Dolores is survived by her husband, John Duarte; her sister in laws Gertrude August and Joan Peterson; her children, Mary Sturgeon wife of Steven Sturgeon, Dolores Mello wife of Stephen Mello, Constance Duarte, Judith Duarte, Debra Nickless wife of John Nickless, John Duarte Jr husband of Heather Duarte, Trudy Coito; her grandchildren Steven Sturgeon Jr., Zachary Sturgeon, Lindsey Markey, Lisa Watlington, Stephen Mello Jr., Sonya Gibau, Ashley Duarte, Christopher Silveira, Donald Williams Jr., John Duarte III, Hunter Duarte, Luke Duarte, Tucker Duarte, Christina Alexander, Joseph Coito II, Rebecca Romlad, and their spouses; Twenty four great grandchildren; her special nieces Teresa Tabb and Joyce Giordano; and her six loving cats. She is predeceased by her sisters Irene Poirier and Alice Rodgers; her daughter Gertrude Duarte, and her grandson Timothy Duarte. A private graveside service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local animal shelter in honor of her love for her cats.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.