News Summary
Elaine M. DaRosa, a cherished community leader from Lincoln, RI, has passed away at the age of 88. Remembered for her extensive contributions to local organizations and church activities, she leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of service. DaRosa is survived by her three daughters and numerous grandchildren. A requiem will be held at Christ Church, and contributions in her memory can be made to the church’s Altar Guild.
Lincoln, RI – Elaine M. (Duarte) DaRosa, a revered community leader and devoted family matriarch, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the Lakeside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown. She was 88 years old and is survived by her three daughters, alongside an extensive family.
Elaine was married to Joaquim “Jack” DaRosa for fifty-six years until his death. Born in Mobile, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Manuel John Duarte and Bernice L. (Stafford) Duarte. Elaine spent most of her life in Lincoln before relocating to North Kingstown in 2002.
Elaine graduated from Pawtucket High School, Class of 1941. Following her education, she worked as a legal secretary under Judge William M. MacKenzie at the former Law Offices of Woolley Blais & Quinn in Pawtucket. Later in her career, she served for thirty-one years as an administrative assistant with the Lincoln Water Commission.
A lifelong parishioner of Christ Church in Lincoln, Elaine held various leadership roles that included Parish Clerk, Vestry Member, Junior Warden, Assistant Parish Treasurer, Parish Historian, and Superintendent of Sunday Schools. She was an active member of the Church Altar Guild for seventy years, serving as both secretary and treasurer. Elaine was also engaged in church activities as part of the Mr. & Mrs. Club and the Adult Education Committee. Notably, she chaired the development of the Christ Church Memorial Garden and contributed to both the 150th and 175th Anniversary Celebrations committees.
Outside her church involvement, Elaine dedicated her time to various community organizations. She served as President of the Saylesville Elementary Parent Teacher Association, the Lincoln League of Women Voters, and the Pawtucket Junior Women’s Club. Elaine also led the Prospect Hill Reunion Committee. In 1971, she chaired the Lincoln 100th Anniversary Historical Book Committee and, in 1987, the Lincoln Bicentennial Constitution Committee.
In recognition of her contributions, Elaine was honored as the 1998-1999 Outstanding Senior Citizen for Cumberland and Lincoln by the Cumberland-Lincoln Rotary Club.
Elaine DaRosa is survived by her three daughters: Bernice Simmons (husband Kenneth) of Charlestown, Valerie Breault (husband Kenneth) of Pawtucket, and Claudia Monstrelis (husband Peter) of North Kingstown. She is also survived by her two sisters, Vivian DeFreitas of Athens, TN, and Joan Joseph of Lincoln, as well as eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings Everett Duarte, Edwin Duarte, Leroy David Duarte, and Lorraine Sherman.
A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated in Elaine’s memory on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Christ Church, located at 1643 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln. Following the service, burial will take place at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Christ Church Altar Guild, with donations sent to PO Box 245, Lincoln, RI 02865.
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