Kelly M. O' Shea

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved and beautiful Miss Kelly O’Shea, who passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 58 surrounded by her loving family.  We find comfort in knowing that she has been reunited in Heaven with her loving and devoted dad, William “Bill” O’Shea, who Kelly loved and missed beyond measure.

Perhaps Miss Kelly’s greatest legacy is the love she had for her family, friends, and students. She is survived by her mother, Colleen Sherman, loving sister, Michelle O’Shea, her brothers, Jim “Olo” (Cindy) O’Shea, and Kevin O’Shea, nephews, Rudy “RJ” (Courtney) Krupitza,  Riley Krupitza, and Kolby Krupitza, Willy O’Shea (Kellyn), Timmy O’Shea (Allyson), and niece, Baylei O’Shea, grandniece and grandnephew, Tatum and Cooper Krupitza,  her Uncle Dennis (Roseann) O’Shea, “adopted” mother, Susan (Hall) Leskow, “adopted” daughter, Val Graham, her former husband, Erik Peterson of Cole City, IL, and several Godchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Kelly had countless friends that she cherished as well as her students and their families past and present.  Kelly was predeceased by her father, William O’Shea, grandparents, Nina and Francis O’Shea and Lucille “Mert” and Michael “Yogi” Bistram.  Kelly was also predeceased by her faithful four-legged companions, Sadie and Roxie Rose.

Kelly was devoted to her family. One of her greatest joys was being an aunt. Her nephews and niece were truly the light of her life. She celebrated every milestone, shared in every adventure, and filled their lives with endless encouragement, stories, and affection. Her love for them was unconditional and expressed in countless small, heartfelt gestures—a testament to the deep tenderhearted devotion and love she held for her family.

Kelly is best known locally and nationally as a dance studio owner, choreographer, and artistic director. She has operated studios under the names of Dimensions in Dance, Kelly O’Shea’s Performing Arts, and most recently KO’s Just Move Tumble, Dance, and Fit Gym. Kelly started her dancing career when she was just 3 years old. She first performed for anyone who came to the house by jumping up on the nearest table, which became her stage. Throughout her personal dance career, she was the recipient of countless awards.  Included in her many accomplishments are her outstanding award-winning performances in local, state and national competitions. At the age of 18, she opened her first studio “Dimensions in Dance” in partnership with her dad, Bill O’Shea.  Kelly has taught generations of students, fostering their growth through strong, trusting relationships. She was deeply invested in each child’s success and personal and professional development. Students felt safe to be themselves without fear of judgement or failure. Kelly built lifelong connections with her students and families. She attended their performances, games, graduations, and weddings. Her students and their families became her extended family. Many of Kelly’s students have achieved award winning performances in dance, tumbling, and cheer at local, state and national competitions.  Others have performed professionally on stage in musical theatre productions in NYC, Boston, Switzerland and in a variety of professional venues including dancing professionally with the NBA (2006 Boston Celtics Inaugural Dance Team), NFL, Miss Fitness USA, Cruise Ship Dance Team, theme park productions, tv commercials and television specials as well as performed with ballet companies and on stage at university performances. Others have become successful dance studio owners and fitness professionals.

Kelly cheered and coached for St. Mary’s Assumption in the early 1980’s. She was awarded for her commitment and talent to St. Mary’s CYO. Kelly also adjudicated numerous dance competitions both nationally and locally.   Kelly was a certified aerobics instructor through A. F. A. A.  At the request of one of her students, she became an ordained officiant to perform the wedding of her former student, Val, who was like a daughter to her. She also officiated her nephew RJ and Courtney’s wedding along with several others who have asked her to officiate their wedding ceremonies. Kelly moved to North Carolina and opened a studio creating a whole new family. She remained close to her North Carolina family, making many trips south to visit them after moving back to her home in New York. One of Kelly’s most coveted honors was working with NASCAR SECURITY.  Please let it be known…she did not work in the stands, she worked PIT ROAD!  She developed many friendships with NASCAR drivers and their families. As many of you know, with Kelly it was always “Go Big or Go Home”!!!

Kelly was a firm believer that your time on this earth was determined at your birth no matter how you lived your life. Kelly lived a life full of adventure, humor, selflessness, and never-ending love for everyone she met.  Kelly would light up a room and let her presence fill the room. She lived life to the fullest, approaching life with passion and enthusiasm. Today she is truly “Dancing with the Stars” and in the arms of her father, Bill, and Heavenly Father,  Jesus Christ.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Binghamton Fire Department, the Union Volunteer Emergency squad, the staff of Wilson’s CVICU, Dr. Swarup and Dr. DeSantis for their dedicated care and compassion shown to Kelly and her family.

Friends are invited to calling hours at Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, 137 Robinson St. in Binghamton, on Wednesday, February 11 from 3-7.  Funeral will be held at Calvary’s Love, 1315 Reynolds Road in Johnson City, NY, on Thursday, February 12 at 10 am.  Private burial services for the family only will take place at Calvery Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for Miss Kelly O’Shea will be held on July 11, 2026, at Mountain Top View 51 Anoka Rd, Binghamton, NY.  Reserve at: mountiangrove.com/order/

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Danielle House, 160 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY, or Union Volunteer Emergency Squad, 8 S Avenue B, Endwell, NY 13760. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kelly M. O' Shea, please visit our floral store.