Ana Rosa (Anita) Damien peacefully passed away in her sleep Oct. 7, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by those she loved. She was active in her assisted living community, Chelsea.
She was born July 26, 1929, in Palma Soriano, Cuba, to Miguel Damien Chediak and Rosa Cremati, Lebanese immigrants.
She grew up in pre-revolutionary Cuba and was always motivated to be the leader of any group in which she participated. She graduated from law school at the University of Havana concurrently with a more infamous Cuban, Fidel Castro. After graduation, she had children and postponed legal practice to raise them. Any consideration of returning to law was doused by the Cuban Revolution.
In 1962, her family obtained permits to depart Cuba for the United States. Unfortunately, her husband Natalio, a physician, was detained at the airport and unable to leave. Anita and her four children boarded a plane to Miami. She survived this experience – as a single mom in a Miami refugee apartment – with the help of Americans and fellow residents. Her husband eventually escaped to begin his medical career in the U.S.
Anita’s youngest sister Adela was living in New Jersey. They settled in Little Silver in 1969 and made it their permanent home. Despite her professional career being stunted she became the ringleader for the extended families. Very little happened in the Damien family without approval from Anita. Her advice and direction – with the occasional “kick in the butt” – were legendary.
Her only daughter Any tragically died of leukemia at 18 years old. This distressed the family and led to great sadness. The loss became a part of her soul. Her deep Catholic faith and family enabled her to recover. She did not stop her growth and she maintained her motivation. She still led people and always directed her sons and family on how to lead a good life. She became active for many years in the American Cancer Society and was an honored member.
She was predeceased by her husband Natalio, daughter Ana Margarita (Any) and her sisters, Lourdes Zeik and Teresa Chaviano. She is survived by her sister Adela Silver; sons, Miguel, Natalio Jr., and Javier; daughters-in-law, Eve, Robyn and Karen; and grandchildren, Michael, Natalie, Sabrina and Nicholas. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who shared intimately in her life.
Anita never became despondent despite many challenges in her life. She always just solved the problem and moved on. This was reflected in her ability to sacrifice her life in Cuba as communism engulfed the island. She was ready to begin a new life with no belongings or resources. She was forced to say goodbye to her only daughter, yet managed to love her sons and support their growth to become men. She provided fortitude to her husband who became a successful and loved physician in Red Bank. She also loved to care for her garden which was much admired by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will miss her energy and passion for life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fulfill, the local food bank.
Visitation was held Oct. 10 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A service was held Oct. 12 at Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the October 24 – 30, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
