Mary John Damigos

Mary John Damigos 80, passed away on November 23, 2023, in Vista, California. She was born on January 24, 1943, in San Pedro, California, and attended 16th Street School before her family moved to Long Beach. There, she attended Edison Elementary, Washington Junior High School, and Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where she excelled in art.

Mary is survived by her son Jeffrey R. Codling (Christy Lee Codling), and daughter Nicole A. Codling. She was a proud grandmother to David Codling, Julia Codling, Madelyn Jakubauskas, and Aiden Jakubauskas. Mary also leaves behind her sisters Nicoletta (Nicki) Damigos Vaccar (Dave Moreno), Marcella (Marcie) Damigos Molnar (Paul Molnar), and Angeline (Angie) Damigos, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John Nick and Stella M. Damigos, sister Irene Damigos Reichner, and brother-in-law Mark E. Reichner.

Mary began her career in an administrative capacity. Her love of people led her to a career as a Real Estate Agent and Broker selling homes, avocado groves, ranches, and coastal properties in both Orange and San Diego counties. She studied International Tourism through the International Tour Management Institue (ITMI), where she received her certification as a Tour Operator for the State of California. She served as the Director of Private Island Tours at Beautiful Greece, and Pame' - Visits to Greece. Mary also took courses on teaching English as a second language. While teaching English in Greece, she obtained her dual citizenship and Euro Passport. In addition to her successful career, Mary was an accomplished artist and photographer.

Mary enjoyed Greek dancing as one of her favorite hobbies. She found joy and fulfillment in the cultural expression of her heritage and passed this on to her children. She also loved traveling to other countries and experiencing their cultures. In addition to Greece, she traveled to Mexico, Spain, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Jamaica, Australia, and Italy, where she took an art class.

Mary worshipped at the Greek Orthodox Church, where she found solace and spiritual guidance. She served over the years through her volunteer work at the Greek Festivals and the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA) program.

Throughout her life, Mary touched the lives of many with her kindness, love, and generosity. She will be remembered for her warm heart and devotion to her family and friends.

A 40-day Memorial Service was held in her honor on January 14, 2024, at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and on January 21, 2024, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff, CA, as arranged by her sisters Nicki and Angie. Her children will hold a private Burial at Sea in her honor on February 15, 2024.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal.