Mercedes C. Duarte

Our beloved mother, grandmother and soon to be great grandmother, Mercedes C. Duarte was called home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Monday, May 17, 2021. She was surrounded by family, love and prayers.

Mercedes was born in Douglas, AZ on February 23, 1925 to Elizabeth G. Cueto and Daniel Cueto.

In 1955, she married Frank G. Duarte (dec) and had four daughters, Deborah Duarte, Yvonne Robberts (Jim), Elizabeth Dodds (Tim) and Lillian Duarte.

A homemaker most of her life, she touched the hearts of everyone she met and knew. For a brief time, she worked for the Internal Revenue Service and Arizona Department of Revenue in Phoenix, AZ.

Grandchildren, Justin Duarte (Melissa Lane and her daughter, Vesper) and Matthew Robberts (Michelle) called her Nana and will miss her terribly.

Niece, Elizabeth Jolly (Larry) and nephews, Chris Jolly (dec) and Ian Jolly as well as grandnephews, Christopher, Liam and Dominic will also miss her.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Oscar Segobia, Benjamin Cueto, Daniel Cueto, Rosita Cueto, Lillian Calderon and Walter Chamberlain.

Mom was the kindest, most gentle, caring, loving, merciful, forgiving and faith-filled human being. She was always there to lend a hug, advice, a shoulder to lean on and unconditional love.

She enjoyed music and going to concerts, writing poems, gardening, traveling, and could fix anything. She was also a wonderful cook and loved adventures of all kinds and passed these passions on to her daughters.

Mom you are loved and cherished beyond all measure. We are so heartbroken and will miss you every day, but we know you are now with God and no longer in pain.

Rest easy sweet and gentle angel. God now holds you in his eternal embrace.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 6 p.m., family visitation at 4 pm, non-family visitation at 5 pm. Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m., 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix.

Burial at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 12:30 p.m., 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ  85014. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.