Mrs. Damroth was my 4th grade teacher (1984-1985). Our class was a very challenging class at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our reputation preceded us! There was so much that we learned from her, though. Besides the regular 4th grade content material, she taught us calligraphy because that was her passion. It taught us how to appreciate aesthetics. 

My penmanship was horrible at the time. Her handwriting was so beautiful that I mimicked my cursive writing as close as possible to hers, though I could never attain the consistent beauty of her style. To this day, people will still compliment me on my penmanship and it is all thanks to Mrs. Damroth.

I was sick a lot that year. I often missed school--having to leave early. She always made sure I was caught up with my work and always communicated well with my dad, despite his limited English skills. (Of all the teachers I have had, hers was the only name my dad remembered years later.) The care that she showed me left such a big impression on me. 

She only taught at IHM for a year but I kept in touch with her via snail mail for years after 4th grade. I remember that she attended my 8th grade graduation. I did not realize how special her attendance was until now as I write this. 

I am a high school teacher now in my 15th year. Several teachers throughout my childhood have each taught me different things that I apply to my craft such as enthusiasm, craziness, and discipline. What I learned from Mrs. Damroth was compassion which is what I am most known for on my campus. I think that is a characteristic that all teachers need, especially today. 

With how she has influenced me in my life and my career, her legacy lives on even after she has gone. This is how we keep her alive: Live how she lived--faithfully, lovingly, compassionately.

Theda will leave a void in many lives.  She was a beautiful and talented lady.   Raising five children is an accomplishment on its own but she added to that by reaching out to anyone in need.  She was a wonderful artist.  I'd love to have a small percentage of her talent.

We were sisters but we didn't get to spend much time together.  It may sound silly but as a child she often rebuked me for saying I was full.  The proper way of expressing that was to say " you have had sufficient"  It stayed with me all my life.

Theda was always loving and generous to a fault.  Like I said, it's hard to raise five children but she once sent me a check for $20.  I forgot the occasion and I didn't cash the check but it meant so much to me.

I'm thankful she went to heaven without enduring months or even years of being in pain for worse yet not being able to live the way she wanted.

I'll miss her.

Aunt Theda is a cherished person in my life for a number of reasons. She married Uncle Joe, my godfather, after meeting him in Santa Ana at a church function in Saint Barbara Church. The union yielded five beautiful children. My visits to see them in Southern California commenced in 1978, with my first New Jersey Bell Telephone vacation as an employee.  We had so many wonderful memories together during subsequent visits as well : Disneyland, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Knotts Berry Farm, swimming at the Rockwell International corporate pool when Uncle Joe was employed by them, many meals out, Marineland of the Pacific, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Camp Pendleton, and baseball games with the Los Angeles Dodgers plus San Diego Padres. The family came to my priesthood ordination on May 15, 1993 at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. I would say Mass with them present at Holy Spirit in Fountain Valley. In 1995, I treated Aunt Theda to a Seattle Mariners at California Angels baseball game in Anaheim Stadium. Baseball went on strike the next day. As a former Sister of Mercy in Kansas, who received a dispensation from the Vatican to leave the convent, she knew well the challenges I faced as a Catholic priest. Her counsel at that time helped me to put things in perspective. I will deeply miss her gentle, spiritual, and compassionate presence. She is now in Heaven with Uncle Joe and his brother, my dad Bill. Aunt Theda remember us from Heaven. Father Bill Damroth 

I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Theda's passing.  My deepest sympathy to my cousins and Theda's family and friends.  I have to say it was such a joy seeing the beautiful photos of her as a young person and then as she got older.  Seeing photos of her with Uncle Joe and then with Uncle Bill and Aunt Barbara and Uncle Frank and Aunt Marilyn truly touched my heart and brought back so many wonderful memories of my mother's family.  I remember the first time I met Aunt Theda.  She and Uncle Joe came to visit us in the Bronx when Laura was a newborn.  We were all so excited to see Uncle Joe and meet his new family.  It was a wonderful time.  May she rest in peace.     

OBITUARY

Theda JoAnn Damroth

July 30, 1933 – July 3, 2018

Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary

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