Mary Therese Conte, friend to all, volunteer
Mary Therese Conte passed away peacefully Monday, March 1, 2026, following a fall at The Lodge at Historic Lewes, where she resided. Born in Utica, N.Y., Dec. 3, 1941, she was the cherished daughter of the late Francis “Frank” and Ann (Marchetta) Conte. She was raised and educated in the area, and graduated from SUNY Cortland College with a bachelor’s degree in education.
She devoted her career to inspiring young minds as a teacher and librarian in Washington, D.C., public schools after moving to D.C. in the early 1960s to teach social studies at Alice Deal Junior High School. She went on to get a master’s degree in library science from University of Maryland and soon thereafter became the school librarian for Wilson High School in D.C., where she served until her retirement.
She was a beloved faculty member who always took the time to listen, counsel, and befriend students in need who relied on her kindness, generosity, and support, often meeting with their families to solve problems and buying supplies and/or clothing they needed but that their families couldn't provide.
A free spirit and a true friend to all, Mary was known for her infectious optimism, love of life, and boundless energy. During her years in D.C., she entertained her friends with her superb cooking and endless enthusiasm for working on projects in her home, especially in her garden, as well as helping friends with their home projects. She also looked forward to and loved spending time in Rehoboth Beach, hanging out on the beach, partying, and dancing with her many friends.
After purchasing a home in Lewes for weekends and summer vacations, she moved to Lewes full time and worked on renovating the house and yard while also enjoying hiking, biking and kayaking with her many friends. A boating and fishing enthusiast as well, she made her motorboat the place where special occasions were celebrated with friends and laughter was always abundant. She also became deeply involved with the development of the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, serving many years as a volunteer and then volunteer coordinator. She was also one of the founding members of Village Volunteers, which continues to serve the vital needs of area seniors today.
Mary began spending winters with friends from Delaware in Dunedin, Fla., and after purchasing a home there, moved to Dunedin full time in 2018, so she could enjoy her outdoor activities and sunset happy hours with friends year-round. There she became a senior champion pickleball player and nurtured her passion for biking, making long-distance bike tours around the West Coast of Florida and even in the Carolinas. She returned to Lewes in the last few years of her life to be among longtime, devoted friends in the area.
Mary’s vibrant spirit, warmth, fun-loving nature, and love of life will be remembered and cherished by everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Mary is survived by her nephew, Joseph Conte and his wife Amy; niece, Kerry Conte and her partner Sal; great-nephew, Nico; and great-niece, Sofia. She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Nicholas Conte. She additionally leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jean Conte; her longtime friend, Carol Gross; and numerous friends in Lewes and Dunedin.
Mary’s Graveside Service and Rite of Committal will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 30, at Calvary Cemetery, 2407 Oneida St., Utica, N.Y.
By family request, omit floral offerings. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Visit Mary's Life Memorial webpage a parsellfuneralhomes.com.
