In Memoriam

Jeanne Frances Contel was born in Oakland, California April 4, 1928 and passed away on September 14, 2022. She was a graduate of from Fremont High School and San Francisco State College. with a degree in Physical Education. She moved to the valley to teach in Caruthers, CA. Jeanne taught in Caruthers and coached tennis for nine years. She went on to obtain her Administrative Credential, Counseling Credential, and Master's degree. Later, Jeanne became the Dean of Girls at Fresno High School and later became principal at Fresno High, and was the first female principal in the San Joaquin Valley. Jeanne loved Fresno High, the students, the faculty and the parents.

Jeanne was an outstanding softball player and played for the national and world-renown Fresno Rockets amateur softball team that won three national championships in the mid 1950's. She was an integral part of that team and her play at third base earned her an induction into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 1969. Fresno High School celebrated her accomplishment by honoring her with a "Jeanne Contel Day". In 1976, Jeanne was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame.

Aside from being an administrator and a softball player, Jeanne was also a woodworker, which was a hobby that lasted her whole life. As an example of some of her projects, Jeanne built two roll top desks, and created many gifts for friends and family.

In retirement, Jeanne became a golfer and enjoyed the game and friendships she developed. At the age of 92 Jeanne was still playing golf.

Jeanne leaves behind a nephew Gregory Dicker, a grandniece Jeannette Dicker and a grandnephew Gregory Dicker. Jeanne will be dearly missed by all her friends and associates.

A Celebration of Jeanne's Life will be held Mon., Nov. 21st at Pardini's starting at 4:30 pm. A mass will be held for Jeanne on Wed., Oct. 19th at 10am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church located in Clovis.

Jeanne Contel Obituary (1928 - 2022) - Fresno, CA - Fresno Bee (legacy.com)