Juana Maria Duarte

Juana Maria Duarte who loved to be called "Granny" by her great-granddaughter was born in Havana, Cuba. As a college graduate and fluent in English Juana worked at The Hilton Hotel in Havana as a telephone operator. In 1962 Juana, her husband and her daughter moved to Florida to escape communism in Cuba. In 1963 Juana gave birth to her second child, Joseph. Shortly thereafter Juana and her family moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey where she raised two children and worked for St. Patrick Parish as the elementary school secretary, notary public and also the secretary at the parish rectory. She retired after 38 years of service. Juana went home to Jesus on January 18, 2021. She devoted her life to her family and her church. She was an active member at St. Patrick's for over 50 years where she served as an Eucharist Minister, lector and choir member. Over the years she was intimately involved with many parish activities, served on several committees and was loved by many. Juana was truly a great woman and is now sharing in eternal life and everlasting light. Juana's pride and joy was her family with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter at the top of that list. She raised her children with love and devotion. She taught her family the meaning of unconditional love, respect and faith in The Lord. Her faith was second to none and she was quick to share words of encouragement and comfort to anyone in need. Her faith was second to none and her prayers always answered. We will miss her dearly.

Juana is survived by her daughter, Lily Slater; her granddaughter and husband, Kristen and Jason Priolo; her grandson and wife, Eric and Gianna Avila; her great granddaughter, Ava Priolo; her brother, Julio Espeleta; her beloved niece and family Yvette Espeleta, Tommy Davey and their daughter Brianna. Also her beloved niece and family Yvonne and Brian McGovern and their children Sean, Shannon, Siobhan, Brian, Aislinn and Aileen. Funeral services are private.