Esperanza Duarte

Esperanza Duarte was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Esperanza will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Esperanza was born on June 1, 1925 at in a small home on the corner of Talbert and Brookhurst in Talbert, California (now known as Fountain Valley). She was the daughter of Jose and Josephina Becerra. Esperanza grew up in Orange County, California.

Esperanza was raised with 5 siblings. She had an older sister Connie, younger sister Mary and three younger brothers Daniel, Joe and Salvador. Esperanza was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Esperanza had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Esperanza's memorable achievements included many awards for penmanship. However, to Esperanza, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

On February 17, 1946 Esperanza exchanged wedding vows with Jose Duarte. They were married for 64 years. Empathic and loyal, Esperanza was committed to making her new family happy.

Esperanza worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Esperanza was blessed with three children, two sons Jesus and Alfredo and one daughter Ann. Another blessing for Esperanza was the gift of eight grandchildren: Craig, Dara, Sarah, Lisa, Angela, Larry, Kenny and Isaac and ten great-grandchildren: David, Jodon, Talya, Craigie, Collin, Cayden, Claire, Kendall, Ciara and soon to be born baby boy Nesvold.

Esperanza enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were collecting tea cups with feet and figurines. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Esperanza’s faith was important to her. She was a member of New Hope Assembly of God. During that time, she was a strong prayer warrior.

Esperanza enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included trips to Mexico several times with Jose when they were young.

Esperanza was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was a white cat she called Gato.

Her new life involved relocating to with Jose to an assisted living apartment in Carmel Village. In retirement, she found new pleasure in peanut auctions. Even in retirement, Esperanza continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Esperanza was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Esperanza passed away on October 21, 2011 at in her bedroom in Fountain Valley (just like she wanted). She is survived by daughter Ann, sisters Connie and Mary, brother Joe, 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Simply stated, Esperanza was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Esperanza leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Esperanza Duarte.

A visitation will take place on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 11:00 to 1:00 with a chapel service to follow at 2:30 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421