Janet Z. Conte, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, April 22, 2011 at the Jewish Heathcare Center. She had been a patient there the past several months. Janet had bravely and gracefully battled cancer for the past ten years.

Janet is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bernard R. Conte; her daughter, Kristen Conte Henderson and her husband, Ross; her son, Jay J. Conte, and his wife, Julia, all of Paxton; and her daughter, Jill A. Pellegrini, and her husband, Anthony J. Jr., of Worcester. In addition, Janet was blessed with 7 grandchildren (Brian, Suzanne, Andrew, Peter, Steven, Michael & Sarah) and one great-grandchild (Nolan).

She was predeceased by her parents, Melvin and Arlene (Thomas) Klingloff, and her brother, Robert Klingloff.

Janet was born in Worcester and was educated in the Worcester Public Schools, graduating from the former Classical High School. She was subsequently employed in several Worcester businesses, and while raising her children, she became co-founder and owner of Conte Insurance of Paxton where she and Bernard worked for many years until they retired. Janet was also a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Paxton. She loved the Red Sox, being at the beach, spending time with close friends, and ballroom dancing with her husband, especially at the Frohsinn Club to the music of Moco. Janet and Bernie spent many years with their family at Rangley Lakes in Maine, Moody Beach in Maine and on their boat in Sandwich, Mass.

Although Janet’s final years were marred with great medical difficulty, she maintained tremendous strength to battle her illnesses. She very much enjoyed the visits from her friends, her children, and most of all, her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She will be dearly missed but always be present through her family to whom she was deeply devoted.

Janet’s family wishes to extend its appreciation and thanks to the staff of the Jewish Heathcare Center for the loving care and compassion they have shown Janet and her family over these past months.

Burial services will be private. A memorial service to celebrate Janet’s life will be held for family and friends on Saturday, April 30th at the First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church Street, Paxton at 10:30 am.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Janet’s name to either Devereux (Devereux School), PO Box 219, Rutland, MA 01543 or Paxton Fire Department, 576 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME &CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. assisted the family with arrangements.