Shelby Cox Conti, passed away at home in Los Angeles, CA., on March 21, 2025 at the age of 82. Known for her warm hospitality and joyful spirit, she was deeply beloved by her family and friends.

Shelby was born in Baton Rouge, LA., daughter of Frances and John A. Cox, former Director of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Cooperative Extension Service. She attended St. Joseph's Academy, Baton Rouge High School and graduated from LSU with a degree in Dance and Physical Education. It was at LSU that she met her future husband, film composer Bill Conti, during an audition for the prestigious LSU Golden Girls dance team, where he was the accompanist. Their collaboration began there, with Shelby later becoming the team's first student director and choreographer, leading to many shared projects in Theatre and Band.

Shelby and Bill married in 1965, after graduating from LSU, and embarked on an adventurous life, first moving to New York City where Bill pursued graduate studies at The Juilliard School, and then to Rome, Italy, where they welcomed their daughters, Rachela and Nicola. When the Conti's returned to the United States, they settled in Los Angeles, where Shelby worked at CBS Television City and KHJ radio as an administrative assistant.

Shelby's commitment to her community was unwavering. For over three decades, she dedicated her time and energy to various charitable and service organizations, including the Assistance League of Southern California (Operation School Bell), Della Robbia Guild for Children's Hospital, Young Musicians Foundation, The Music Center, and P.E.O. Shelby was a proud Daughter of the American Revolution and served as National Chairwoman of the V.I.S. Committee and Chapter Regent of the Los Angeles-Eschscholzia Chapter DAR. Beyond her philanthropic work, she was a passionate gardener, gifted cook, skilled helmsman, talented singer and dancer, animal lover and a deeply loyal friend.

Shelby is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Bill; her daughters and their husbands, Rachela and David Swanson, and Nicola and Chris O'Connell; her adored grandsons, William, Nicolas (and his wife Belem), and Andrew Swanson; her cherished granddaughters, Cassidy and Shelby O'Connell; and her brother, Van L. Cox, professor emeritus at LSU, and his wife, Jan. Shelby is preceded in death by her brother John A. ("Doc") Cox II.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St Vitus Catholic Church, Northridge, CA., on April 4 at 9:30 am. A scholarship fund has been created to help preserve her legacy and support future generations of LSU Golden Girls, The Shelby Cox Conti Golden Girl Scholarship, http://givelsu.org/shelbyconti