Shirleymae Conte

Shirleymae Conte passed away on March 18, 2017 surrounded by her family, she was 81 years old. If you have ever met Shirleymae you would know that she was a special lady. She was a generous and nurturing woman to everyone she met. She genuinely cared about others and went out of her way to help anyone and everyone she met, always putting others first. From teaching people to crochet and cook, to taking in children that had nowhere else to go, she did it all with an unwavering smile, positive energy, and witty charm. Shirleymae was a shining star to be admired and a wonderful example of how we should all strive to be. Shirleymae was born on May 23, 1935 to Oliver Pittenger and Pearl Eggers. Shirleymae was born in Everett, Washington and moved to Monterey when she was 5 years old. It was there she met her future husband and love of her life in the 7th grade and they have been together for 70 years. She was the greatest wife in the world to Frank for 63 years, and the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Shirleymae was a wife, partner, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She was a beautiful, warm, giving person who was full of Grace. She was a professional model in her youth, a very talented artist specializing in oil painting, an expert Marksman, a gourmet cook and a purveyor of parties. She especially loved decorating for Christmas which was her favorite time of year and she crocheted afghans for fund raisers. Shirleymae approached life with a great passion and involvement. She was Cub Scout Den Mother for 5 years while raising her 4 children. She served on the board and worked fund raisers for Jacobs Heart Children's Cancer Association. She was the two time President of the Monterey Women's Civic Club, chairing a producing their major fund raiser the "Cascarone Ball" for 3 years. She was President of the Western Region Republican Party and served on the Board of Monterey Bay Republican Woman's Federated Clubs and was later in charge of 7 of their clubs in the Northern Region. She was a Board Member of Zonta International- working their major fund raisers. She developed a hat business in 9 states "Count Francisco of Pebble Beach" and a jewelry business "Dazzling Elegance". She was even invited to the State Capital to run for office at one point. Along with her husband, Frank Conte, she founded and produced the "Frank Conte Invitational" Golf Tournament benefiting the Monterey Special Olympics for 10 years. Together they also produced several local performances of The Coasters, The Platters, The Rat Pack, and the Mills Brothers to name a few through Conte's Productions. Shirleymae was also the booking agent for "The Conte 4" Band. This dynamic duo worked together forming many businesses: Tortilla Inn Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, Automotive Care by Conte, A Motel, California State Automotive Association Towing Company, Conte's Paint and Body Shop, Conte's Consignment Center, Conte's Executive Scooters, Conte's Executive Auto Sales, Conte's Aaron Overhead Door and as mentioned above, Conte's Productions. Shirleymae leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband, Frank Conte; their four children who had the best mom ever, Lawrence Frank Conte, Frank Joseph Conte, Laura Marie Conte, David Frank Conte; Seven grandchildren, Jessica, Adrienne, Michelle, Nicholas, Christopher, Patrick, Ryan; and 2.5 great-grandchildren, Grayson, Addis Jr., and Renly on the way. She also leaves behind her brother Oliver, many loving friends and family, and a long standing legacy. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. A visitation will be held for Shirleymae on Monday, March 27th at Mission Mortuary from 4pm until 8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. On Tuesday March 28th a Funeral Mass will be held at San Carlos Cathedral beginning at 9:30am. Burial at San Carlos Cemetery will follow.