Maria Merces Duarte

Maria Merces Duarte, aka “Vovo”, of Apopka, FL, passed away on January 5, 2026 at the age of 91.

She was born in 1934 in Brava, Cape Verde Islands to the late Manuel J. and Candida (Pires) Duarte. She came to the United States as a citizen in 1960. She was a long time resident of East Boston, MA and Orlando, FL.

The youngest of her siblings, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jorge, sister Beatrice, and brother Joaquim “Jack”.

She is survived by her son Ken & daughter-in-law Sherri of Longwood, FL; grandchildren Renna and Carissa; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, godchildren and friends. She enjoyed sewing, taking pictures, and gardening but most of all spending time with her family. She will forever be loved, missed, and remembered.

A visitation will be held from 5PM to 7PM on Wed. Jan. 14, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home, South Seminole, located at 335 E State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750. A funeral service will be held at the same location at 10 AM on Thu. Jan. 15, 2026 with a burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Apopka. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of Central Florida (http://cflcc.org).

To share your memories of Vovo or to leave a special message for her family online please visit the guestbook below.