On Monday, March 17th, 2025, I lost my beloved mother, Ann M. Damerau, whom I affectionately called 'Sam.' We were incredibly close, and her strength and support were the reasons I was able to face life's challenges head-on. I was never a mama's boy, but it was her unwavering strength that gave me the courage to move across the country with just two gym bags and $500, and start a new life. Now, to honor her lifelong dream of visiting Hawaii, I hope to take her ashes to the islands and let her become one with the sea. Your support will help make this heartfelt journey a reality.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anna Mae Damerau on March 17, 2025, at Virtua Marlton Hospital, New Jersey at the age of 74.

Proceeded in death by James and Anna (Whelehan) Riddagh. Beloved wife of Richard Damerau Sr. Devoted mother of Robert J. Ott and Richard E. Damerau Jr. Stepmother to Angela Ott. Proud grandmother (a.k.a. Grand Ma’am Sam) of Bobby J. and Savannah Ott. Devoted sister of Catherine R. Guzik (Robert R). Aunt of Diane Ferry (Todd Sr). Great Aunt of Todd and Justin Ferry.

Sister-in-law to Edward Damerau (Ana). Aunt of Brian and Lorriane (Mazin) Cousins Thomas Rehill ( Elizabeth), Anna Marie Kosek (Al), FlorrieMcCullough (William), Fran Gilsdorf (Bob) and Louis Rice (Sally). Lifelong best friend Maureen Auletto (McCormack).

From a very young age, Ann was a gifted, charismatic individual. She liked to read a lot of books. She took violin lessons, made her own clothes and opened a boutique called “Inspirations” in Haddon Heights, NJ, where she created a real following making prom dresses. At Camden County College, she was editor of the newspaper, president of student government, and voted Most Likely to Succeed. She transferred toBryn Mawr College as an economics major and then studied at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.During a successful career as an account manager/executive, she took care of her parents for the rest of their lives.

Although she enjoyed her work, the love of her life was her family, her boys, their careers, and her friends. She was passionate in the way that she cared for everyone in her life and would set everything aside to make them OK.

And she loved Christmas; all that it was, including all the decorating and wrapping of presents and all of the gift of giving, entertaining, in the spirit of generosity. Anyone who was her BFF was very lucky.

Your friend with great respect,

Robert J. Ott