Shirley J. Larkin

Oh Shirley. It´s been a few years since I´ve written you a message, though we talk regularly through my prayers and your signs from above. This year has been one that I have wished to have you and my mother near me more than any other. As Sammy and I walked through our attempts at parenthood, and finally the blessing of my first pregnancy, I felt your presence with me as I pictured what kind of mother I aspire to be. I knew you and my mom were there, giving me the strength I needed to...

Today I got an email about remembering Shirley. Honestly, I never need a reminder. I may not have known Shirley outside of the Larkin world but I have never met a more amazing woman. Knowing her backstory and how things started and everything she worked so hard to build is a legacy that will live on forever in every life that has been touched in any way by the Larkin world, if you're a dancer, a parent, a relative or friend who attended a recital...you have witnessed the Larkin way and I...

Grandma,

I wish I could go back to the old days where I would get phone calls from you on a weekly basis just wondering how I was doing. If I could talk to you on the phone right now I would have so much to tell you. College is great. Its scary being away from home. I even decided to pledge a sorority. I'm not sure which sorority I am going to be in, but one of the sororities philanthropy is fundraising for alzheimer's and finding a cure. They showed us a video on the statistics of...

I was thinking of you all today and thinking of the tribute you did for Shirley at the recital this year. This is my granddaughters first year attending Larkin so I didn't a chance to meet Shirley but that just touched me.

Blessings to the Larkin family. You have put Minnesota on the map as a force to be reckoned with, in the area of dance, throughout the state and nationally. I've been told there will be a tribute to your beloved Shirley, on an upcoming episode of the popular tv show "Dancing With The Stars". I'm looking forward to it. As a passionate dancer myself and lover of the arts.... Much respect, -Rita (St. Paul)

I was very sad to see in the White Bear Press that Shirley Larkin had passed away. I took dance from Shirley when she was still teaching out of her home in Mahtomedi. Shirley was a great tap dancer and would lead the lesson with her tap shoes on showing you the moves she expected you to follow. I came to Shirley I believe my parents Stan and Mary Burda knew Russell and Shirley so it only made sense for me to take dance from a well known teacher and friend. I have not seen Shirley in years, I...

I am so sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She has touched so many people throughout her life, including myself. She will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed by all. You are all in my thoughts and prayers every day.