Partner Peggy Gilbert, buried together
Queer Places:
4172 Beck Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Kay B. Boley (November 20, 1917 – April 1, 2007) was born in Chicago on November 10, 1917. She died on April 1, 2007 at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
She was the daughter of Inez Boley and Leo Boley. She was a longtime resident of Studio City living in the San Fernando Valley since 1964.
As a young woman in New Orleans she laid the groundwork for her career as an entertainer when during the Great Depression she was afforded free dance lessons and dance shoes at the Flo Moray Dance School. Kay's soon famous determination and strong spirit became evident at this point as, with little sister in tow, she walked the approximately 20 blocks one way to make her love of dance become reality. She danced professionally in the 1930s and 1940s, performing varied types of dance including adagio, traditional dance with a partner, and contortionism. Kay toured nationally as a dancer, including a six-month engagement in 1945-46 in Hawaii where she was presented by the famous showman, E.K. Fernandez. Her professional career included a nationally-broadcast commercial in the 1950's for the Holly Oven Company: Kay called upon her skills as a contortionist to fold herself into the oven and then pop out of the appliance on cue to show its large capacity.
Kay moved to Los Angeles in 1944. After retiring as an entertainer, Kay worked at the beauty salon at Sportsman's Lodge where her gift of gab and entertaining storytelling were enjoyed for 14 years by the staff and clients alike. A caretaker for all in need, Kay was cherished for her volunteer work by the patients and nursing staff at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank.
Kay Boley was predeceased in deaht by her partner of 62 years, Peggy Gilbert. They are buried together.
My published books:
