Nellie Conte

Sebastiana “Nellie” (Sapienza) Conte, 94, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2020 after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Leonard Conte with whom she shared fifty wonderful years in marriage.

Daughter of the late Anthony and Grace (Paolini) Sapienza, Nellie was raised and educated in Lawrence, graduating salutatorian from St. Mary’s High School, class of 1943. Following graduation, she worked in the payroll department at Tyer Rubber Company, later at Almy’s department store, and at Filene’s Basement.

Nellie was a member of the Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence and was very strong in her faith. As her health declined and she could not go to church regularly, she enjoyed watching the Catholic Channel. She loved to cook for her family and was always looking for new recipes. An avid reader, Nellie she was able to discuss many subjects and loved to socialize with friends and family. Nellie’s joke of the day and quotes of wisdom will be missed by all who knew her. Nellie loved traveling with her husband and family, the highlight being their family vacation to Italy. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren, whom brought her so much joy. Nellie will be most remembered for her kindness, as she was such a generous perpetual care giver to so many people. She was dearly loved by all who knew her.

Nellie’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Prescott House and Compassus Hospice for all of the care and compassion they gave to Nellie and to her family.

In addition to her husband, Leonard Conte, Nellie was predeceased by her sister, Mary Sapienza.
She is survived by her children, Leonard Conte and his wife Linda of Merrimac, MA, Maryellen Silva and her husband Anthony of Pelham, NH, Cathy Colbert and her husband Michael of Methuen, MA, Christine Kossuth and her husband Don of Merrimack, NH; grandchildren, Michael Conte, Anthony Silva, Matthew Colbert, SSgt. Jonathan Colbert, Jesse Colbert, and Alyssa Silva.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation between the hours of 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2020 at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street in Methuen. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Nellie at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex Street in Lawrence. Committal Service will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840.