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Angela Jean “Jeannie” Conti, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on March 22, 2026 , at the age of 92.
Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to an iconic Italian family, Jeannie was the only daughter of the late Charles and Nettie (Dellaverson) Esposito. She attended New Castle High School and graduated in 1951 with a concentration in home economics. She was a talented seamstress with a flair for fashion who made all of her own dresses, copying the latest designs. Later in life she would make most of her children’s clothes.
As a young woman, she sang semi-professionally for many choirs and music groups, often as a soloist employing her clear, soprano voice. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Conti, in 1954, and after raising a family she continued her education, becoming a certified Esthetician. Later, at the age of 89, she graduated from Delaware Technical Community College with a degree in Culinary and Hospitality. Post graduation, Jeannie began a course of study in Astronomy, a topic that filled her with wonder.
Over the years, Jeannie worked in retail where she assisted countless customers with kindness and professionalism. Jeannie was a woman who valued family, friendship, and the simple things in life. She was a fun-loving and energetic person who embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved traveling to new places and was never happier than when at the beach. She was ageless, stylish, and exhibited the kind of charm that attracted people of all ages to her. She enjoyed meeting new people and cooking for anyone who came to her house. Jeannie never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and you could always expect a card in the mail with a check! She was extremely interested in genealogy and created extensive family trees of both her and her husband’s families.
In her free time, she enjoyed coin collecting and could often be found reading mysteries or Harry Potter books. She loved shopping at the dollar stores with her friends. She lived life on her own terms and took pleasure in everything life offered. Above all, Jeannie loved her family deeply and took great pride in them.
She is survived by her cherished brother, Charles Esposito, her children; Charlene Bell, Lauren Rose (Thomas Janeka), Donna Jean Rose (Charles Emory), Ralph Conti (Lisa Conti), Bernice Conti, her 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly. In addition to her parents, Jeannie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Conti; her brothers, Ralph Esposito and James “Zeke” Esposito.
Jeannie will be remembered for her laughter, fabulous cooking, and the love she shared with those closest to her.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, March 29th, 2026 from 1PM-2PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a memorial service will begin at 2PM. Interment will be held at a later date in St. Vitus Cemetery, New Castle, PA.
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