Karen L. Duarte, 26, of New Bedford died January 12, 2009 unexpectedly due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of Brenda (Duarte) Fortes of New Bedford and Manuel DaCosta Rosa and his wife Maria of Pawtucket, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
Karen was employed as a childcare worker at Italian Home for Children in Freetown and previously worked at the Olive Garden.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her parents; a son, Dahvaun Duarte of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Peter Duarte and Michael Duarte, both of New Bedford; 5 sisters, Jackie Duarte of New Bedford, Nelita Rosa of Portugal, Melissa Rosa of California, Jessica Rosa of Pawtucket and Jacqueline Gomes of Florida; her maternal grandmother, Beatrice Duarte of New Bedford; her boyfriend, Marley Moss of New Bedford; her close friends, Alesha Silva of New Bedford and Simone Adams of Acushnet and many other friends; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Saturday, January 17th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Visiting hours Friday, January 16th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Dahvaun Future Fund c/o First Citizens Federal Credit Union.