Cleone Damonte (nee Freeman), 91, completed her life’s journey April 26 at her longtime home in Belmont, California. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 65 years, John Batista in 2016 and son, Andrew John, in 2007.
Cleone enjoyed traveling the world and once skipped rope on the Great Wall of China. She was an avid reader, tennis player, teacher, cook, gardener, and life of any party. Her sense of humor, twinkling eyes and infectious laugh will be remembered by all who were blessed with her company.
The eldest of 8 sisters, Cleone was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and followed her family to the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco upon graduating from high school. She earned her Bachelors Degree at the University of California, Berkeley, where she met her husband, John. She continued her education at San Francisco’s Lone Mountain College and went on to teach at Alamo Elementary in San Francisco and San Mateo Knolls. Cleone was an longtime member of the San
Mateo Women’s Club and was very active with the San Mateo Elks Lodge, where her husband was a past Exalted Ruler. She was a passionate sports fan, rooting on her Cal Bears, 49ers, Giants and Warriors, and when Wimbledon was on, everyone knew not to interrupt her.
Cleone is survived by sisters Liz Schmidt (Hal), Peggy Giannini (Frank), Dianne Quirley (Chuck) and Nancy Freeman, and was pre-deceased by sisters Kathleen Bass (Jim), Joan Gilmore (Hal) and Maryalice Generaux (George). She also leaves behind in-laws Ed and Bobbi Damonte and Bill Larsen, and was predeceased
by Rose Larsen. Cleone had 21 nieces and nephews who will attest their lives are immeasurably richer, and who all know how to properly set a table, thanks to their beloved Auntie Cleone.
Those wishing to celebrate her life are invited to a memorial service Wednesday, May 9 at 11:00 am at Skylawn Memorial Park, located at Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo, followed by a lunch at the San Mateo Elks Lodge, 230 West 20th Avenue. At Cleone’s request, attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors.
Memorial service Wednesday, May 9 at 11:00 am at Skylawn Memorial Park, located at Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo
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