Shirley Masselli (née Shirley Harmer), a celebrated singer and TV star, passed away at 92 on May 7, 2024. Born in Oshawa, Shirley's musical talent shone early. She performed in Red Cross concerts during WWII and sang on CFRB radio with her sisters. At 19, she joined George Murray on CBC, catching the attention of conductor Paul
Whiteman, who brought her to New York. Shirley became a regular on NBC’s Today Show with Dave Garroway, headlined at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
In the 1950s, she returned to Toronto to star in CBC-TV's Showtime, earning widespread acclaim. She was proclaimed "Queen of Oshawa" by its Mayor and made an honorary princess by the Squamish people. After a stint in Hollywood, Shirley moved to Italy and toured with Josephine Baker. She later met her husband comedian Beni Mason while working on a cruise ship and they toured together for decades. After Beni's death, Shirley returned to Canada, She is remembered for her remarkable career and contributions to entertainment in the early days of TV. Shirley continued to entertain us with her beautiful vocals until her passing. In fact her last live performance this spring at the 420 Wing Oshawa brought the audience to their feet. Donations in her name can be made to Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry. Shirley will be sadly missed by her surviving sister Betty Lea, son Anthony Bertram, stepson Mark Masselli and wife Corinne, and the entire Lea and Harmer clan who adored her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbcOU75HuuM