Laurelle Moon Conte

Laurelle Moon Conte. August 29, 1961 - May 12, 2019

After one last Mother's Day with the family she adored, Laurelle Moon Conte, 57, of Salem, NH, died peacefully but way too soon on May 12. She leaves her loving husband of 35 years, Robert; her wonderful children David Conte and Angela Conte, both of New York City; her parents Palma Roberge and J. Andrew Roberge; brother John and Susan Moon; sister Margaret and William Hames; sister Nicole Roberts; brother Andrew Michael and Wendy Roberge; and stepmother Joan Moon. She also leaves many heartbroken nieces and nephews, extended family members, and close friends. Her father John Moon died one day earlier on May 11.

Laurelle was a beautiful soul and a brilliant woman of many talents. She filled her home with art she created, furniture she restored, and treasured mementos of the many people she loved. She enjoyed nothing more than working on creative projects with daughter Angela, from designing dance costumes to collaborating on book illustrations. She loved son David's many film and video projects, and was often the first and most insightful reviewer of his work. Laurelle shared a deep and enduring bond with both children that time will never erase. Her marriage to Robert was a profoundly happy one. They were college sweethearts who went together through life as best friends and devoted partners. They found true love in each other, cherished it every day, and built a joyful life arm in arm. 

Laurelle was the keeper of family recipes, a lover of books, and a gifted teacher in the Lawrence, MA. public school system. Many of her students from the Adult Learning Center reached out years later to thank her for changing their lives and setting them on a path to success.

Laurelle laughed easily and often. Her legendary kindness was entirely genuine, and she somehow made things better for everyone she came across. She may have been the best gift giver who ever lived. She loved her life and home, and the many raucous family celebrations she hosted there. She endured a brief but vicious illness with her beauty, grace, and humor intact. When people learned of it, the first words to come were often "I really love Laurelle." She had that effect. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends, wrapped in the love she gave so freely and received so abundantly in return. For her, love was the answer to everything.

A celebration of Laurelle's life will be held on Saturday May 18, 2019 from 2 to 5 PM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem NH. The celebration will continue immediately after at the family home in Salem NH.

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