Sheila L. (Kurtz) Tomlinson-Earl

Sheila Louise Tomlinson-Earl, born on April 2, 1945, in Erie, PA, to Winifred Beckwith Kurtz and Harry Vernon Kurtz; she dedicated her life to music, dance and children- making money to support these endeavors.

   She studied music, theater and dance at Erie Music Conservatory and Andrews School for Girls where she became such a highly skilled dancer; she turned professional at 12. Following graduation, she moved to Chicago where she studied fashion at Ray Vogue selling clothes to make money.

   Hollywood’s movie mecca beckoned, and she became a back lot dancer for MGM and Paramount landing the Dance Captain role for the iconic “America” number in the movie “Westside Story” with Rita Moreno, George Chakaris, and unknown named Shirley MacLane. When the Hollywood roles evaporated (now married with child), she joined Ms. MacLaine and her friends in Las Vagas where she danced and choreographed shows on the Vegas strip.

   Vegas was no place to raise a child, so divorced, she moved to Ligonier, PA and opened her non-profit School for Performing Arts and fashion store while teaching etiquette and ballroom dance at Rolling Rock Club. Here she worked on Public Television with TV’s Fred Rogers. Remarried to a high school English teacher and with a young son, fate intervened. The local professional football club (Pittsburg Steelers) had experienced multiple injuries except a wide receiver named Lynn Swann. When coach Noll asked how Mr. Swann avoided the injuries, he was informed Mr. Swann did ballet stretches. To which he reportedly responded, find me a ballet teacher. Suddenly, Sports Illustrated photographers appeared and she, as a female, became the first NFL stretch coach. More importantly, every sports program now has a stretch coach and her efforts have saved countless athletic injuries.

   Recognizing not every child has college interests, Sheila worked for three travel agencies and later opened her own Travel School- enabling young adults to develop meaningful and well-paid careers in the travel industry.

   Remarried a third time and recognizing the need for finances to fund her beloved theatre arts, she started a successful personal finance practice whose proceeds will support a local theatre at which she volunteers.

   She is survived by her Brother Donald Kurtz of Austin, TX and her husband Ted Earl of Middle Haddam, CT.

   At her request there will be no viewing or public service at her burial in New York City. In lieu of this there will be an invitation only remembrance party.

   To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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