November 29, 1951 - March 31, 2023

Elizabeth “Beth” Damianakes, age 71, went home to the Father on March 31, 2023, in Palm City, Florida. Beth was born on November 29, 1951, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Mickie and William “Billy” Dufrene. She moved to Southern California when she was 4 years old and lived most of her life in Downey, California. Beth went to grade school at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) in Downey. Her first 3 years of high school were at Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles where she aspired to become a nun, but left to finish high school and graduate from St. Pius X High School in Downey. She attended Cerritos Community College and later received her BA degree from California State University, Fullerton.

Beth married William “Bill” Damianakes on September 29, 1990 at OLPH and they made Southern California their home for many years. She and Bill were very active in their OLPH parish, where they both served as Eucharistic Ministers for many years. Beth worked for 30 years at JC Penney in many different locations in the southland and she worked for 10 years at AAA in insurance.

When Beth retired in 2014, she and Bill moved to Palm City, Florida. They embraced their Palm City community and became very active at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, an Extraordinary Minster to the Sick, taught youth catechism and served as President of the Holy Redeemer Women’s Guild.

Beth loved sports, including snow skiing for many years. But her passion was scuba diving where she loved to photograph God’s creatures and revel in the wonder of beautiful underwater habitats like coral reefs and kelp gardens. She and Bill travelled the world on wondrous dive trips, making many friends and incredible memories.

Beth was the kind of friend who always remembered your birthday, your anniversary, your kid’s full baptismal names (and their birthdays), where you first met, where you had the most fun together and went on the craziest side trips and, with a mischievous smile, where you could find the next great adventure. She knew and loved her neighbors, making sure they had support when necessary and doggy treats when needed. Beth became a part of your life, filling it with grace and love and an infinite supply of patience and understanding.

Beth loved the Lord and was devoted to her faith and her faith communities. She loved teaching the kids, or as she said, “the children of God”. Beth was the very definition of a beautiful soul and she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Bill of 32 years, her son Andrew “Phil” Damianakes, her sister Leah (Steve) Maldonado, her nieces Nicole (Tim) Woolery and Adriane (Travis) Begley, her nephew Nathan (Alayna) Maldonado and numerous grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, friends, and so many other she touched every day.

A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Palm City, Florida. Disposition of her ashes will be done at a later date in a private family ceremony. Condolences, thoughts and memories may be shared in the Guestbook at Forest Hills Palm City Chapel, www.foresthillspalmcityflorida.com/obits. Memorial donations may be made in Beth’s honor to: Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, Florida 34997, 772/403-4547.

Be at peace dear Beth and rest in God’s love forever.