Roberta L. Duarte, 81, of Willow Road, Smithfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 29th, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Raymond E. Duarte, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Helen (Neil) Spenard. Roberta grew up in North Providence and later lived in Austin and Amarillo, Texas, before settling in Smithfield, where she resided for over 40 years.
Roberta worked as a switchboard operator for the Providence Journal, Textron, and Bryant University. But her life was most richly defined by her boundless curiosity, creative spirit, and deep faith. A lifelong seeker, Roberta explored the world through both art and spirituality—seeing them as interconnected paths to beauty, meaning, and healing.
She was a gifted artist who pursued her passion through courses at the Rhode Island School of Design throughout her life. She especially admired the work of Mary Cassatt and enjoyed working with oil paints, oil pastels, and pastels. Her work reflected both her creativity and inner peace.
Roberta’s spiritual life was equally vibrant. She served as a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church, was a Sister of Mercy Associate in Cumberland, and a Spiritual Director affiliated with Our Lady of Peace. She was also a Reiki Master (Jin Kei Do lineage), committed to healing and the mindful transfer of energy through her practice. Her openness to spiritual growth and service touched the lives of many and was a guiding force throughout her journey.
Of all her gifts and accomplishments, Roberta’s most enduring legacy is the deep and abiding love she held for her family. That love lives on in each of them—in the way they care, create, and carry one another forward.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Raymond, and their three children: Diane L. Young of Smithfield; Bryan E. Duarte of Smithfield; and Karen D. Rutz and her husband, Darin, of Blackstone, MA. She was the cherished grandmother of Kaitlyn and Maple Young, and Grace Rutz, and the proud great-grandmother of Gabrielle, Hannah, and Bennett. Roberta is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Baptista, and was predeceased by her brother, Jean Spenard. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday, June 5th at 11:00 AM at the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4th from 4–7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberta’s memory may be made to Beacon Palliative Care, 1 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, RI 02914, or the Smithfield Fire Department, 607 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, RI 02828.
"Her Life Was a Prayer"
For Roberta L. Duarte -
born into eternal light at 9:15 am. on May 29th
She saw the world as a canvas, and her life as a quiet offering.
She painted with color and stillness, with prayer and presence,
with brushstrokes of grace only the heart could see.
Her hands held a soft wisdom-
capable of blessing, creating, comforting.
a Reiki Master's hands, guided by light,
a gentle current of love.
She was an artist in every sense-
of form, of faith, of soul.
She sought beauty like prayer,
finding the sacred in every shade of blue,
every soft breath of pastel on paper,
and in the open hearts of others.
She was a seeker.
She read widely- across faiths and philosophies-
letting truth find her gently.
She journaled to understand her soul,
to witness her own unfolding.
She bowed to the wisdom of many lights-
Mary, Jesus, Buddha, Quan Yin.
Each one a facet of god she carried within.
She understood the power of the Feminine Spirit
and wore it with quiet strength,
like a crown of light gently placed.
She walked with the wolf:
fiercely intuitive, loyal, protective.
She saw through the dark with the owl:
a silent guardian,
never needing to speak in declarations,
only to witness, to know.
Like the owl, she guided without noise-
all insight, no spectacle.
Hers was the way of quiet strength.
She laughed easily, delighted in silliness,
and knew the holy lived in joy
just as much as in stillness.
Her playfulness was a balm-
a wink from the universe
reminding us not to take life too seriously.
She wore many sacred names:
Daughter, Wife, Mother, Nana, Auntie, Friend.
Each one lived with intention and care.
She and Ray built a life of devotion,
a strong legacy rooted in family,
a tribe of belonging.
She loved the sound of water,
a language she understood without words.-
She cherished the spirit of Namaste-
a quiet honoring of the sacred within us all.
She left this world in the morning light-
as the day opened its arms.
Not gone-just transformed.
Not lost-just now everywhere.
She gave her thanks for every blessing,
even the quiet ones.
And now,
she rests in peace,
held in the arms of every faith she held in her heart.
Her life is, was, and will always be a prayer.
Let us be the amen.