Shirley A. Seewald Coniglio

Shirley Ann Coniglio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 18th. She is survived by her husband Luke, her four children Mark, Chris, Mary and Cheryl, her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, her brother Bob, and honorary sons Walter, Vidal, Bernardo, Hector and Manuel who lived with the Coniglio through the years.



If one had to choose a single word to describe Shirley, there is only one that comes to mind: devotion. devotion to family, and devotion to faith were Shirley's touchstones, and it is from these that the joys of her life emerged.



On first glance, one might have thought Shirley was a quiet, demure, and reserved woman. But those who knew her well understood that, beneath that humble exterior, there was a scrappy fighter who was far stronger than her slight figure might suggest.



Growing up poorer than poor in the projects, she nevertheless found her way to college where she became a certified medical technologist. But, fatefully, in 1953 she met a strapping young man named Luke Coniglio. Their romance – documented in many letters now treasured by Luke and Shirley's children – spanned the Korean War where Luke was stationed. Upon his return, they were married. They received the first of their four children in 1961, and continued to grow their family over the ensuing years.



There was nothing Shirley would not do to support her husband and family. For any who knew her, it was clear that her singular purpose in life was to create a loving home where she, her husband and children would grow and thrive. Even when faced with difficult challenges, she brought laughter and light into the world, and always let you know, with her quiet, determined demeanor, that everything was going to be all right. For her, nothing seemed to generate more pride than giving all she could to her children, ensuring her four little ones became the loving, honest, and respectful adults they are today – a tradition that her children have continued.



Shirley found comfort in her faith in God. She was an active member of the St. Phllip Neri parish and for many years attended a woman's circle there. She said the rosary often, and continued to do so up until her very last days. But, as she was with most things, she was never outspoken or overt about her faith. Instead, you would simply feel it, because the aura of grace exuded by her unshakable beliefs was inescapable.



In her day to day life, Shirley was a practical, "let's get down to business", kind of woman. Perhaps because of this, she kept her sharp wit under wraps for much of her life (at least with her children). But, in recent years, she would let it out from time to time. Her children were delighted (and sometimes a bit shocked!) when she would let loose with one of these "zingers" – which she always punctuated with a naughty wink to ensure everyone was in on the joke.



Shirley was lucky to live a long life, to share many adventures and experiences with her husband and children, and to be surrounded by so much love during her final days. If there is one thing we hope you will remember about her, it was this: Shirley was living proof that any adversity could be overcome if you were willing to fight hard for it and never give up. That is the legacy she leaves with her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grand-children... and today, also with you.









John A. Gentleman Mortuaries and Crematory

1010 North 72 Street Omaha, Nebraska 681114

402-391-1664 www.johnagentleman.com