Natalia Maria Duarte

Natalia Maria (Tavares) Duarte, 70, passed away after a three year battle with Ovarian Cancer. Born on December 26, 1951 in Pico Da Pedra, São Miguel, Azores, she was the daughter of the late João and Clotilde (Mota) Tavares; devoted mother of Leonard Duarte and his wife Andria, Mark Duarte and his wife Hyonhui and Melissa (Duarte) Waterman and her husband Kent whom she lived with; beloved vavó of Juliana Duarte, Jayden Duarte, Roman Duarte, Kayla Duarte, Amelia Waterman, Lydia Waterman and Olivia Hurtado. She was the youngest of 5 and the only sister. She is survived by her twin brother Joseph Tavares (wife Connie) her oldest brother Raymond Tavares (wife Maria) sister-in-laws Angela Tavares & Maria F. Tavares and several nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Gil Tavares & João Carlos Tavares. Natalia came to the United States in 1969 with her parents at 17 years old and settled in the Fox Point area of Providence. She loved her Portuguese culture and would always tell stories of how she grew up and memories she had from São Miguel. Always very dedicated, she raised her 3 children as a single mother. She taught them the value of hard work & perseverance. She worked at many jobs throughout the years and made lasting friendships. Most recently she worked at nVent Schroff in Warwick, RI where she retired from in 2018. She adored her grandchildren and it brought her joy being with them and being a Vavó. She was a crafty person who loved sewing and knitting. Natalia enjoyed driving and going on road trips with her family. She enjoyed cooking and baking especially Portuguese sweetbread. She loved relaxing with a good cup of tea. Natalia enjoyed going for walks and nature. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb that could bring any plant back to life. She loved filling her bird feeders and bird watching but especially loved her hummingbirds. A genuine sweet person who was always willing to help others. She looked for the positive in any situation no matter what life dealt her. Natalia had an infectious smile who made a friend wherever she went. Natalia will be missed dearly by all her knew and loved her. Visitation will be held Friday, December 16, 2022 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

Tributes

Natalia Maria Duarte

December 6, 2022