Beatrice “Mamala” Antenore
Born April 2, 1924, New York, New York, where she proudly attended Music and Arts High School; Died: July 5, 2016, Long Beach, CA her home over 60 years from where she traveled to Santa Barbara regularly to be with family and friends.
Bea survived the love of her life, Demmy, her husband of almost sixty years who passed in 1998, and her daughter-in-law, Marjorie, who passed in 2002. Mamala is survived by her sons, Dennis and Jim (Fran) & daughter Angela (Ben), grandsons Jeff (fiancé Emily), Jonathan (Hava) & Rob (Nora) and great grandsons, Leo & Luca.
An avid community volunteer, she spoke truth to power, stood up with and for diverse communities and helped provide voice to the underserved. Bea was a passionate advocate for children and was proud of her successful fight in Long Beach to reestablish crossing guards citywide after the program fell victim to budget cuts. Her community service included chairing the anti-poverty program of the Long Beach Office of Economic Opportunity, serving as chair of the City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation Commission, Chair of the oversight committee for the City’s Strategic Plan for Older Adults & a PTA District President. A dedicated leader in the League of Women Voters, she moderated many voter forums and stayed educated and informed about local, state, national and international issues. Her motivation and goals included encouraging people to vote and to participate in the community.
Mamala’s enduring focus on family and community never wavered, as evidenced by these words to her family hours before she died: “Just remember wherever you go and whomever you meet, everyone has a story to tell. Listen to what they have to say.” Regarding family/relationships she said, “Be patient, be loving and have a sense of humor. You are all different. Be close to one another.”
In lieu of flowers, please vote! If you wish to make a donation in her name, the family suggests either of these organizations that Bea loved: Long Beach Community College Foundation-the Senior Studies Lifetime Learning Program & League of Women Voters. Services will be private.