Jeanne "Jeannie" Oki

1935 - 2021

Oki, Jeanne "Jeannie"
85, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, passed away Easter Sunday, 4/4/2021 in Margate, FL. Predeceased by brothers, Raymond & Robert Forte, and son, Peter Monje. She's survived by daughter in law Kristine Monje and grandchildren Thea & Silas Monje; her cousins, Anne Brownley, Alfred, Bartley & Gregory Forte, Elsie Forlenza and Bonnie DeVivo.
Jeannie Oki started out as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray in New York City, and became interested in Hustle & Salsa. She was one of the regular Palladium dancers back when Tito Puente played there. She even danced socially with the famed Cuban Pete.
She founded Strictly Salsa Productions, which produced the Strictly Salsa Sundays at Platforms Nightclub for several years and Strictly Salsa Fridays at La Cabana.
Since 2000, Jeannie produced, organized & created hugely popular Salsa Nights for the Providence Waterfire at Sovereign Plaza Ballroom, that attracted more than 35,000 people. She created the Salsa Legends Event at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet which included Legends such as Eddie Torres, Cuban Pete, Jose Alberto, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and more. In 2019 She was presented a "Lifetime Achievement Award" as well as a "Citation" on behalf of the Providence City Council recognizing her commitment and dedication to the Latin Dance Community.
Jeannie's goal through Strictly Salsa was always dedicated to bring all cultures together, using salsa dancing as a common thread…and she succeeded.
Jeannie preferred celebrating her life through dance, versus a formal service.
Due to Covid, the celebration will take place at Platforms next Summer. Date TBD announced on Social Media. She is already dearly missed.