Helen Bowen Damato, 84, was born on August 25, 1931 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Peg Bowen, her sisters Barbara O'Neil and Jeanne Laing. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Bill Damato Sr., her beloved dog Skippy, her sister Dorothea (Tom) Kelly, her 7 children, Bill Damato Jr., Linda (Frank) Luksha, Bonnie (David) Davies, Danny (Janell) Damato, Mike (Cindy) Damato, Beth (Ed) Coppedge, Cathy (Harry) Bergman, her 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and a loving and supportive extended family.

Helen attended St. Paul's Catholic School in Riverside from 1st through 12th grade. After graduating she went to work at St. Paul's with Msgr. Nolan. On February 27th, 1954 she married the love of her life, Bill Damato Sr., who she has known since the first grade. Together, they raised 7 children. Over the years, Bill and Helen took in 4 foster children and sponsored a Vietnamese family of 6.

Helen has given many years of selfless service to Resurrection Catholic Church, The Red Cross, Mayo Clinic, and many years working in the rectory and as a Eucharistic Minister at Christ the King Catholic Church.

Helen's beautiful smile, giving heart, and kindness are going to be greatly missed by everyone she touched.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Dec. 17th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 720 Arlington Rd. N, Jax, FL 32211. Funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 18th @ 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 720 Arlington Rd. N, Jax, FL 32211.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4715 Worrell Way, Jacksonville, FL 32224