In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Anita Rosa Damien, 95

“We will always miss her energy and passion for life.” ~ family of Anita Damien

Longtime Little Silver resident Anita Rosa Damien passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 7, surrounded by those she loved. She was 95.

Born in Palma Soriano, Cuba on July 26, 1929 to Miguel Damien Chediak and Rosa Cremati, she was the daughter of Lebanese immigrants. Anita grew up in pre-revolutionary Cuba and was always motivated to be the leader of any group in which she participated.

She attended and graduated from law school at the University of Havana concurrently with a more infamous Cuban, Fidel Castro. She had children after graduation and postponed legal practice to raise her four children.

In 1962 her family had obtained permits to depart Cuba for the United States. Unfortunately, her husband, physician Natalio, was detained at the airport and unable to leave Cuba. Anita and her four children boarded a plane to Miami. She survived this experience, as a single mom with four children 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 and this is where she led her husband to continue his medical career and her family. 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 this 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 when 18 years old. This distressed the family and led to great sadness. This 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 in how to lead a good life. She became active for many years in the American Cancer Society and was an honored member.”
Loved ones of Anita Rosa Damien in her obituary

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; grand-children Michael, Natalie, Sabrina, and Nicholas. She also left 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 nor resources. She was forced to say good-bye to her only daughter, but 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, grand-children, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at John E. Day Funeral home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, on Thursday Oct.10, from 6 to 9 p.m.. A service is set for Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9:30 a.m. at Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chapel Hill Road, Middletown. In lieu of flowers donate to Fulfill, the local food bank.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home