Cecilia Jean Duarte

Cecilia Jean Duarte, 86, passed peacefully at home, after an 8 year battle with Alzheimer's, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Tony and Maria Altamirano, her brothers, Edward and Rudy, and great grandson, Chase. Survived by her husband of 64 years, Samuel, her children, Barbara, Sam (Julie), Christine (Roman), Elizabeth (Dale), Peter, Joy, Mary Lou, sisters Mary Ellen and Esther, brother Tony and cousin-sister Vera,18 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren whom she adored with all her heart. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cecilia was well known by so many in the Sunnyside School District where she retired after more than 25 years. In her later years, she volunteered at her grandchildren's schools. She served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Monica Catholic Church and in her earlier years taught catechism classes. She loved to attend mass at “her church” but attended mass at various churches in recent years, but especially enjoyed attending mariachi mass at Most Holy Trinity.

Her beautiful, contagious smile caught the attention of so many! She enjoyed attending her family's sporting events that took her all around Arizona and parts of California and Texas.She loved attending school functions such as band concerts, school plays and graduations. She loved listening and singing along to her favorite music like Linda Ronstadt’s, Canciones de Mi Padre, Ramon Ayala, George Strait, oldies but goodies and christian music too. She loved going to eat at various restaurants throughout the city and her most favorite place was Brother John's, where they all knew her by “grandma”. Overall, she loved building memories with her big, beautiful family!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn, 5401 S. Park Ave with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm. Mass will be offered on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:00 am at Saint Monica Roman Catholic Parish, 212 W. Medina Rd.

The Duarte family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Casa de la Luz Hospice for their gracious care, love and support during this time. And a thank you to Funeraria del Angel South Lawn for their respect and care.