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Jeanne Contel Obituary
April 4, 1928 - September 14, 2022
Fresno, California - Jeanne Frances Contel passed away on September 14, 2022. Jeanne was born in Oakland, California April 4, 1928 and graduated from Freemont High School and later San Francisco State College. Jeanne graduated with a degree in Physical Education and came to the valley to teach at Carruthers. Jeanne taught at Carruthers and coached tennis for nine years. She obtained her Administrative Credential, a Counseling Credential and a Master's degree. Jeanne became the Dean of girls at Fresno High School and later the first female Principal in the San Joaquin Valley at Fresno High School. Jeanne loved Fresno High, the students, the faculty and the parents.
Jeanne was part of the Fresno Rockets amateur softball team that won three national championships in the mid 1950's. Jeanne Contel was an integral part of those teams 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 a woodworker. A hobby that lasted her whole life Jeanne built two roll top desks as well as 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeanne Contel
Linda Helm
April 30, 2025
I fondly remember Ms. Contel. She was responsible for building my confidence when others had discounted me. Her professionalism and empathy served as an excellent role model for a young, insecure girl growing up in the 60´s. I will be eternally grateful to her.
Susan Pennell, FHS Class of 1980
May 1, 2023
When I was a student at Fresno High, I thought it was completely normal to have a woman as a principal. In reading Ms. Contel's obituary, I now understand how fortunate we all were.
Karen LeDee-Lewis
February 24, 2023
I´ll always remember her kindness and willingness to assist and counsel. She was inclusive of all people. I remember her as an athlete, respected person, administrator, and role model. RIP, my friend. Class of 1980.
Karen LeDee-Lewis
Vivian Young
November 20, 2022
I would love to see your name on my schedule that day because I knew we would always have a great visit and would end up talking about softball by the end of appointment. My daughter cherished the keychain you gave her from the the softball hall of fame. We were honored to have known you. Rest in peace.
Lisa marchese
November 11, 2022
She was always a supporter of girls playing sports and was a great leader and example!
Lisa marchese c/o 87
Denise Erickson
November 11, 2022
Ms Contel will be always be missed. She was a very special lady to my family as she hired my mom Jean Calabrese to work at fresno high, a job she loved dearly. She was nice and smart as well as well respected. I was lucky enough to be able to visit with her over the last few years at the beauty shop. Condolences and Prayers to her family. Love Denise
John R. Hebrard - FHS Class of 1971
November 11, 2022
Fresno High School will miss you for all you did for our school and our Warrior student body. You were a Warrior's Warrior true and true. From the Class of 1971, thank you for the many years you served the many Warriors to graduate each year. May you rest in peace Jeanne F. Contel. FHS Warrior 1928-2022.
Steve Gonzalez (Class of 1973)
October 19, 2022
Ms. Contel was a very special person. She helped make my 3 years at Fresno High some of the best years of my life. After I became a teacher and administrator in Fresno Unified, she always encouraged and supported me. I never forgot her kindness. She was a true Fresno High Warrior!
Amiee Moreno
October 17, 2022
My condolences to the family. Ms Contel is and was so loved and admired! I was a Fresno High student while she was there and years later I saw her in Vons at Herndon and Fowler and she was like a star to me, I was so excited to see her, I didn't go up and say hi, I so wish I would have... I should have let her know she was a star in my eyes. My great-aunt played softball with her too. You are so loved Ms Contel! Class of 89
Kim Dicker
October 10, 2022
Miss you Aunt Jeanne and all the good times we had.
Steve Strickland
October 3, 2022
Jeanne Contel was the principle of FHS my last year teaching there. She and I didn't agree on much but that didn't end conversation. She bled purple and gold and for that she gained much praise. She supported the faculty and was always listening to everyone. Her fame in softball was surpassed by her love of Fresno High. Hail to thee our alma mater.
Robert Scambray
October 3, 2022
My condolences to Jeanne´s family & friends. She was a good friend, and an excellent educator & school administrator.
Kerry T. Coulter (Cetti)
September 28, 2022
May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.
RIP Ms. Contel
Kerry T. Coulter
FHS Class of 1973
Gena Strang-Behrens
September 26, 2022
Jeanne was a special person and I will miss her! I am grateful that she was a trailblazer for women in sports and that she paved the way for so many of us! Her 30+ years of service to the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame board is truly remarkable. Thank you Jeanne, I will miss you!
Bob Avedesian Class of 1968
September 25, 2022
Jeanne Contel was one of the individuals that made Fresno High School great. Her influence and dedication to the school and all of us who were Warriors will last for decades to come. RIP for a life well lived.
Janice (Garrett) Freeman
September 25, 2022
Ms. Contel was an amazing woman, kindhearted and a true administrator as our principal at Fresno High "Class of 1980!" May she rest in the Father´s loving arms and His peace, comfort and strength cover her family, dear friends and the San Joaquin community
alan and joann castello
September 25, 2022
Jean, it was my pleasure to have known you. RIP
Mike Palomino
September 25, 2022
A true role model and trailblazer. Always had time to for you and made you feel special. FHS was fortunate to have had her as Principal.
Marty Williams
September 24, 2022
Jeanne was a terrific principal, and I knew her both when I was a student and later as a teacher at FHS. I don't think anyone loved Fresno High more. Godspeed, Jeanne.
Janet Whitney
September 24, 2022
A great lady and a true role model for women and sports.
Janet Whitney- Class of 1982
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Clovis Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services1302 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93612
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