Shirlee Ann Laporte started her career as a professional dancer who had a recording contract in 1958 with MGM Studios singing and dancing with ‘The Lucky Girls’ who became ‘The Kays’ while performing chart toppers such as ‘Baby’ and ‘Who’s Gonna Take You Home’ and as a backup singer for ‘We Wear Short Shorts’. Shirlee also performed with famous stars at the time in the likes of Connie Francis and Gene Autry.

She trained her younger sister, Kathi, on the art of the dance and who later went on to form her own dance studio in Springfield, Ohio called Kathi’s Dance and Gym Center where Kathi has trained thousands of beginner and professional dancers alike for over 50 years due to the initial training and passion for success Shirlee installed in her as a young girl entering the world of dance.

Shirlee later went on to build a successful real estate company in Cincinnati Ohio called TLC Realty, and then a clothing company in Tiffany’s Dancewear with her two daughters, Terri and Tina, that was founded upon costume designing and clothing manufacturing. Thru Shirlee’s guidance, both Terri and Tina went on to formulate their own clothing companies in that of TrinaWear and Dilly Duds and both of which can be found flourishing today in the Etsy Marketplace.

She tirelessly supported her son, Todd, and Founder of the One Gallery Place and OGPArtcast22 Live Arts broadcasting network – and the foundation of which you are visiting and/or being a part of today.

Shirlee’s love, kindness, generosity and support will be sorely missed by all. She passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning in November 2023 surrounded by family in her hometown of New Middletown, OH. Her legacy will go on in the numerous businesses she helped spark into motion and as a mother and matriarch with an unconditional heart and a spirit for success.

Shirlee is survived by her children Terri, Todd, Tina, and Robert, and grandchildren Casey, Dylan, and Angelina.