Cecile Harriet Riker Conte of Belmar, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017. She was 88. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the viewing on Friday from 9-10:30am at O’Brien Funeral Home in Wall. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Rose of Lima Church in Belmar at 11am.
Born in 1929 in Paterson, Cecile lived with her husband Carlo F. Conte until he died in 1988. Cecile was a positive influence on everyone she met, making everyone laugh with her stories and jokes, cooking for all occasions and assisting anyone who needed her help. She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in East Brunswick, and as an ever calming influence, Cecile provided spiritual help to the bereaved.
Her happiest times were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a cheerleader at every athletic event and was the first to stand and applaud at concerts, plays, and equestrian events.
Cecile was predeceased by her husband, Carl F. Conte in 1988, and her sisters Doris and Loretta. She is survived by her daughter Carlotta Miller & her husband, Gregg, her son, Carl Conte Jr., and her youngest daughter, Cheryl Halper; her grandchildren Michael Miller & Ann Cosentino, Christina Gorini & her husband Louis, Daniel Miller & his wife Samantha, Alison Conte & her fiancé Chris Hinchcliff, Max Halper, and Colin Conte; and great-granddaughter, Grayson Lena Gorini. She is also survived by her brother, Neil Riker & his wife Helen; and numerous nieces & nephews, as well as great nieces & nephews from all over the country. They all loved her dearly.
James Barrie said, “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” This was her motto and she clearly succeeded in bringing sunshine to so many and keeping just a little for herself.