Marcia Aure / Covington, WA Resident
Michael Bernstein / Long Beach, CA Resident
Elizabeth “Betty” Betus / Oakland Chapter
Genevieve “Gen” Born / Plantation, FL Resident
Vera Brosnahan / Cooper City, FL Resident
Jan Brothers / Redondo Beach, FL Resident
Candace Bibby Carroll / Los Angeles Chapter
Joan Carroll / Atlanta Chapter
Marguerite “Sally” Chagnon / Flagler Beach, FL Resident
Nonna Elaine Cheatham / Oakland Chapter
Barbara Gilot Clark, Palmetto Bay, FL Resident
Sherry Patterson Dargan / Key Largo, FL Resident
Deborah “Debbie” Lynne Doyle / Manhattan Chapter
Charlie Dugger / Farmington, NM Resident
Maria Delores “Lola” Torres Ferrer / Apopka, FL Resident
Sharon Fine / Marin Chapter
Anick Guillaume Gornish / Garnet Valley, PA Resident
Joyce Jo Ann Hardin / Portland Chapter
Jacqueline Hornstra / Portland, OR Resident
Sandy Naff Keefe / Marysville, WA Resident
Mary Ann King / Reno Chapter
Joan Lardy / Bournemouth, England Resident
Lillian Lum Lee / Honolulu, Hawaii Resident
Yumi Massi / Reno Chapter
Frances McChesney / Oakland Park, FL Resident
Francine McGinnis / Jupiter, FL Resident
Gisela “Gigi” Minke / Santa Fe, NM Resident
Margaret Nolte / Oakland Chapter
Moira Lynch Notis / Stamford, CT Resident
Winnifred Omodt / San Francisco Chapter
Sylvia Ortlieb / Oakland Chapter
Christina Palmstierna / Stockholm Chapter
SuAnne Fehr Ramsey / Wilton, CT Resident
Nadja Rosellen / Idaho Resident
Beth Schwalbert / Miami Chapter
Michael Spilios / Elmhurst, NY Resident
Lena Spongberg / Long Island Chapter
Douglas Edward Tyler / Seattle, WA Resident
Anne Venables Kyrke / Manhattan Chapter
Solveig Viig / Oslo Chapter
Gabrielle Ward / Phoenix Chapter
Mona Colin Wrains / Pompano Beach, FL Resident
January 11, 1955 – July 14, 2021
Palm Beach Gardens, FL Resident
Ginny Ailstock-Stolz, 66, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in her Palm Beach Gardens, Florida home on July 14, 2021. She displayed immense courage in her fight to live while maintaining beautiful elegance and selfless concern for others during her valiant battle. She is survived by the love of her life and adoring husband of 32 years, Joel Stolz and their precious cavachon, Duke. She is also survived by Joel’s three children, Jared, Stephanie, and Brett and his three grandchildren, Rachel, Arden, and Lauren.
Ginny will continue to live in the loving memories of her sisters and brothers Geoy Ailstock Cameron, Rebecca Ailstock Sellers (Pete), Robin Ailstock McElhaney (David), James W. Ailstock III, John C. Ailstock (Jenny), and Lysle K. Ailstock MD (Adriana). Additionally, Ginny will be lovingly cherished by her Auntie dearest Diana Nicholson, 11 nieces and nephews, 7 grand nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many friends.
Ginny was born in Virginia Beach on January 11, 1955 to Jim and Jackie Ailstock. She grew up surrounded by her siblings and pets in a big red house on the hill of 60th Street and was a member of the 1972 class of First Colonial High School. After attending Virginia Intermont College, she graduated from Old Dominion University in 1977 and drove to San Francisco to quickly realize her dream of international travel by becoming a flight attendant with Pan Am. In her time with Pan Am she logged many millions of miles while traveling throughout the world and lived in SF, NY, and London. She concluded her flying career as a purser with Delta Airlines, retiring from aviation in 2001. Her favorite cities were Paris, London, NY, and Tokyo and among her innumerable experiences was a harrowing escape from Iran on the last flight out of political unrest. During her extensive travels she cultivated an easy going worldly elegance, a highly refined style and a humble life perspective having interacted with humankind from all walks of life in every corner of the world. A life long student of the French language, Ginny had a quick eager smile and embodied “joie de vivre” . She was an accomplished self-taught gardener, a lover of flowers, an unpretentious oenophile, a dedicated doting dog owner and a successful real estate agent later in semi-retirement. Her infectious optimism and positive outlook set an example for all who crossed her path. We are quite sure her beloved labradoodle Casey-doodle greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge and that they are now both happy and free, our guardian angels watching over us.
There are no goodbyes from us. Ginny will be in our hearts forever.
Ginny loved flowers and placing flowers in your home in her honor would surely appeal to her. Our family is forever grateful for the exceptional care provided by Ginny’s nurses Leana, Daria, Nicole and Lucy. A celebration of her extraordinarily well-lived life will be held on Saturday, September 25th in Virginia Beach.
August 8, 2021
Covington, WA Resident
Marcia Hope Aure, 73, passed away unexpectedly August 8th 2021.
Marcia was born in Long Island, NY., to Edward and Florence Warner. She graduated from Kailua High School in Hawaii. Marcia then graduated with a nursing degree from University of Hawaii. While working as a nurse, she would continue to dream of traveling the world so would go on to become a flight attendant with Pan American Airlines in 1968. She flew with Pan Am from 1968-1986. After Pan Am, she would continue her flying career with United Airlines until her retirement in 2012. While working and traveling, Marcia took classes at the University of Washington earning a BA in History in 1975, adding to her already noteworthy degrees.
Marcia worked occasionally at Crest Airpark, our neighborhood airfield on her days home from the airlines. She earned her commercial rating, instrument pilot’s license and would enjoy playing in the sky. Crest Airpark is where she built her family home and met her husband. Marcia married Martin H. Aure in 1981. They just recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary together in June.
She is survived by her husband, Martin; her two children Kristin Lane (Peter) and Martin E. Aure (Heidi); her step daughters Erika Kertson (Chris) and Kimberly Aure; her grand daughters Hope, Lucy and Kelsey; her grandsons Logan, Jason and soon to be born Charlie. She is also survived by her sister Gail Ruther. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward and Florence.
Marcia was a very caring, compassionate and independent person, who always had a smile to give. Marcia was a world traveler, always looking forward to her next travel adventure with family. She was an adventurous hiker who backpacked the Wonderland trail around Mt. Rainier. She was a devoted mother to Kristin and Martin, always supporting them in their activities. She continued that devotion by never missing an important event or activity with her grandchildren. Marcia loved to spend her time with family, hiking around Mt. Rainier, gardening, reading, listening to music or just visiting with loved ones over coffee and water on the porch. We will not forget her smile or kindness for others.
A Celebration of life will be held September 10th, 2021 at Crest Airpark in Kent, WA at 3pm. Masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Marcia may send memorial donations to the Maple Valley Food Bank https://maplevalleyfoodbank.org/donate/ or Toys for Joy program at Puget Sound Fire in Kent, WA.
November 10, 1919 – August 8, 2021
Oakland Chapter
We are saddened to learn that World Wings has lost its oldest member, Betty Betus, who passed away at the age of 101.
Betty was born to Mariano Alvarez-Colon and Mrs. Antonia DeColon-Abello of Puerto Rico, on Nov. 10th 1919.
She is survived by her children Pam Wheeler-Hilligan, George Betus Jr. and 2 grandchildren as well as 1 great grandchild.
Betty joined Pan Am in 1940 and flew the Clippers as the airline was expanding into a global powerhouse. She continued flying through the tumult of World War II before resigning in 1946. She had fond memories of her time as an international stewardess and always held Pan Am close to her heart. We will miss her.
February, 2021
Plantation, FL Resident
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Gen Born in the last week of February, 2021, at the age of 96. Gen was a member of the Miami Chapter in the sixties.
1930 – June 14, 2021
Cooper City, FL Resident
Vera Brosnahan passed away on June 14,2021, with her family by her side. Vera was born in Carroll, IA, attended Kuemper Catholic High School, and received her degree from Marycrest College in Davenport, IA. She moved to Miami in 1950 to begin a career in the airline industry first as a teletype operator and then as a flight attendant for Pan American Airways and National Airlines. Throughout her life she continued her love of travel with adventures across the Americas and Europe. She was a devoted working-mother of four raising a family in Miami Lakes, FL and a second “Mom” to many. Her six grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved attending every game, concert, or exhibit. Vera ran a successful family-owned concrete business for over 60 years. She was an active member of Saint Mark Catholic Church and previously Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church.
She is survived by her children Thomas Brosnahan; Daniel Brosnahan; David Brosnahan (Kelly), and Kathy Stamm (Ren); and loving grandchildren, Tyler, Savannah, and Hunter Stamm; and Ryan, Sean, & Erin Brosnahan; as well as her siblings, Romayne Hugeback of Azuza, CA, Linda Scott (Richard) of Cooper City, FL, and Susan Hurst (Dick) of Wilmington, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Margaret Hugeback, and siblings, Inez Hugeback and Harvey Hugeback.
The family would like to express our thanks for the outpouring of love and support.
March 18, 1943 – August 26, 2021
Los Angeles Chapter
Candace Bibby Carroll passed away peacefully at her home in Indian Wells, CA on August 26, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born on March 18, 1943, in Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Carroll, who died on April 3, 2020.
Candace (or “Candy”) was raised in Texas and graduated from Austin High School in 1961. She moved to the Coachella Valley in 1962 with her parents, Howard and Marilyn Bibby, and her sister, Angela Bibby. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a BA in Liberal Arts and went on to teach seventh and eight grade English. She then learned to speak Spanish and traveled internationally as a flight attendant for Pan Am where she made lifelong friends. She started her own consulting business when her flying days were over.
Candace became passionate about researching family history and wrote a genealogy record of her family. She joyfully spent time researching and comparing notes with relatives. Other hobbies included staying active by golfing, walking, and traveling. She enjoyed her summers with Mike at the Del Mar Thoroughbred club. One of her last new hobbies was learning to ride her polo pony “Gib”.
Candace was a social butterfly and brightened every room she entered. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and by her family. Throughout her life Candace sought to help others and served as a board member at Fellowship Hall in Palm Desert. She was proud to continue the Bibby legacy of serving others and helping the community.
There will be a memorial at Fellowship Hall in January 2022. Donations in her memory may be made to White Rock Horse Rescue, 733 Geronimo Trail, Yucca Valley, CA 92284.
September 15, 2021
Atlanta Chapter
Joan B. Carroll “Joanie Noanie” passed away peacefully in Savannah on September 15, 2021.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, John Patrick Carroll; her parents, David and Helen Baskfield; and a sister and brother-in-law, Janet and James Hanley.
Joan was a devout Catholic practitioner who graduated from St. Catherine’s University. She began her career as a schoolteacher in Chicago. She relocated to New York when she became a flight attendant for Pan Am Airlines and then TWA. She moved into runway and print modeling for several years and then became a real estate agent in Fairfield County, CT.
She and John raised their family in Stamford, CT before they headed south to retire in Savannah. Continuing her life of service, Joan became a CASA advocate and also assisted with a charity for the Bethesda Boys Club. She served as a charter member of World Wings International for 40 years.
Surviving are her children, Lisa Carroll, Michael Carroll and Sara Carroll Reeve; grandchildren, Bobby Mena, Ava Reeve, Chloe Reeve, Benjamin Reeve, Fallon Carroll and Ethan Carroll; sister, Ret. Col. Margaret Baskfield; brother John Baskfield (Sharellyn); sister-in-law, Jean Carroll; nephews, Bruce Hoffman, Mark Hoffman (David), Peter Hoffman (Shelley), Glen Hanley and June Hanley Fitzpatrick.
Joan was absolutely beautiful, funny, kind and loving – always giving and caring for her children, grandchildren and friends. Joanie Noanie held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and was an important part in each of their lives. She is dearly missed and will be held in all of our hearts forever.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church. St. James will livestream the mass for those who are unable to attend. After mass, a reception will take place at the Palmetto Club at The Landings for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to World Wings International, Inc., c/o Joan Policastro, 5071 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342. Thank you.
March 25, 1934 – July 21, 2021
Flagler Beach, FL Resident
Sally joined National Airlines in 1957 and continued her career with Pan Am after it acquired National in 1980. Living in a high-rise in Flagler Beach, she had a birds-eye view of the Flagler pier and was known for her annual Fourth of July parties. Sally proudly represented her city as president of the Flagler Beach Women’s Club and spoke often of her decades-long association with Alcoholics Anonymous.
A celebration of life will be held at the Flagler Beach Women’s Club at a later date.
December 26, 1930 – November 11, 2021
Oakland Chapter
Nonna Cheatham spent her early childhood in Hawaii. The family relocated to California after surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. She was a member of the Girl Scouts and, in later years, became an executive with the organization. She received her Associate Degree in Arts from the University of California at Berkeley in January of 1950, and in 1952, a Bachelor of Arts in social welfare and child development. In 1980, she was awarded a Master of Arts in women’s studies at George Washington University.
Nonna joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1950, while still an undergraduate at Berkeley, and after graduation became a flight attendant for Pan American Airways. She regularly flew to destinations around the world, and was on the crew of one of the first regular flights over the North Pole. Nonna was a proud member of World Wings International, and served two terms as the president of the organization.
During her naval career, Nonna rose to the rank of Petty Officer before being admitted to the Naval Officer Candidate School. After graduating, she became the communications officer at the Boston Naval Shipyard and, later, recruiting officer in New York City and in the Navy Office of Congressional Relations, Washington, D.C. She retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve with the rank of Lt. Commander.
A conservationist, Nonna was a field representative of Earthwatch, and was involved in archaeology and ecology projects in Tonga, Hawaii, and Manchuria. She was also a member of the Society of Woman Geographers, an organization “for women who know no boundaries.”
Nonna was a woman ahead of her time, achieving much in an era when women were expected to adhere to the boundaries of social norms. We will miss her.
January 15, 1953 – June 8, 2021
Palmetto Bay, FL Resident
Barbara Gilot Clark passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 8, 2021.
Barbara was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 15, 1953. She graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School, where she was a talented athlete and student, in 1971. She married Wayne H. Clark on February 26, 1977. They were married 36 years until his death in 2013.
Barbara worked as a stewardess for National, Pan Am and Delta Airlines. She was promoted to the rank of purser and received many commendations for her achievements. She traveled extensively and enjoyed skiing, boating and many other outdoor activities.
An ardent animal lover, Barbara was active with several pet rescue groups and the ASPCA. Diagnosed with Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in 1991, Barbara became an enthusiastic supporter of Southeastern Guide Dogs. The organization provides guide dogs and training for the visually impaired.
Barbara’s fun-loving personality and flair for storytelling are legendary among her family and friends. She loved to make people laugh and was always there to offer a kind word, encouragement and support.
Barbara is survived by her sisters, Dorothy M. Sowards and Donna Gilot Scherlacher, step-daughter Kim Clark Stovall, her nieces and nephews as well as many family and friends. In addition to her husband, Barbara is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy R. Gilot and her brother Richard D. Burns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc., 4210 77th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221 or visit guidedogs.org.
October 21, 2021
Manhattan Chapter
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Manhattan Chapter member Debbie Doyle on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 1800 hours.
Deborah Lynne Doyle, known by her nicknames “Debbie” and “Too Tall,” was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She joined Pan Am in May, 1970 as part of Class 23-A. Debbie flew with Pan Am until 1991, transferring to Delta where she retired in 2020 after 50 years of flying.
Vivacious, outgoing and full of life, you knew when you saw Debbie’s name on your crew list you were going to have a fun flight and an even better layover. Who can forget the image of Debbie in command of the galley with a cigarette in one hand and a crew cup in the other? Wherever she was, Debbie was a celebration waiting to happen and we wanted to celebrate with her!
Debbie had a kind and caring side too. When those she loved fell ill, Debbie would be by their side caring for them lovingly until they passed. That kindness was returned to Debbie in her final days, when her closest friends sat vigil at the hospital, embracing her in love.
Debbie will be interred in Memphis. It is anticipated that a celebration of life will be held at a later date, information about which will be shared when it becomes available.
August 28, 2021
Farmington, NM Resident
Charlie Dugger, 91, passed away on August 28, 2021 at his home in Farmington, New Mexico, with his daughter, Lisa, holding his hand.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Charlie was hired as by Pan Am in the mid-fifties and was based in San Francisco. In 1970, he assumed a management position as a flight service supervisor. He remained with Pan Am until 1985. Charlie loved Pan Am and often lamented their closure.
In lieu of cards or flowers, please send donations to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch at https://www.calfarley.org/
July 17, 1945 – April 6, 2021
Marin Chapter
Sherry grew up on a farm in small-town Wisconsin but ultimately explored the world.
Number ten of eleven children born to Anton and Ida Riehle, Sharon Lee Riehle arrived in the waning months of World War II in Wisconsin. She graduated from nearby Watertown High School in 1963. Encouraged by her older brother Fred, a pilot with United Airlines, Sherry applied to be a flight attendant. It was a highly competitive occupation at the time, but she was hired by United Airlines in 1965. In 1969, she began working for famed Pan American World Airways, an airline practically synonymous with jet-age glamour.
In 1970, on a blind-date orchestrated by friends, she met a young lawyer, Ned Fine, who would become the love of her life and husband of nearly fifty years. Ned had just graduated from the University of California School of Law in Berkeley and was a new associate at Morrison & Foerster law firm in San Francisco. Ned & Sherry were married in San Francisco in September 1972 and enjoyed a round-the-world honeymoon on Pan Am, with stops in many far flung destinations, new to them both.
The couple first lived in San Francisco and then bought a home in the Berkeley hills, where they began raising their two daughters, Rebecca (born in 1975) and then Jessica (1978). The growing family then built a home in Woodside, where the girls finished school before heading off to college. During this time Sherry returned to work, this time for United, and flew for another 15 years. Sherry and Ned moved to the Silverado community in Napa in 2006 after both Ned and Sherry had retired.
Sherry encouraged a love of travel, appreciation of other cultures and traditions in her children and often generously invited other friends and relatives on her global adventures. Sherry and Ned traveled almost everywhere possible in the world: safaris in Africa and the Galapagos; Antarctic excursions; visits to Machu Pichu, Morocco, Mongolia and even Olympics in Sydney; and other journeys to nearly every continent, often on her favorite cruise ships. Sherry always brought a token back from her journeys for her children and then grandchildren. And she loved to capture her journeys in photographs long before the iPhone made it so easy.
Back at home, she relished family and holidays and especially loved her four grandchildren: Isaac, Emmett, Logan and Emily. She was a notorious note-taker as well as a great organizer and planner (famous for her lists, she may have enjoyed the trip planning as much as the trip itself). Sherry found joy in entertaining, her regular book club, mah-jongg gatherings and walking groups. She always loved nature, volunteering in different capacities at Filoli, the house and garden estate in Woodside, and later at Copia in the Napa community.
Sherry suffered a fall in late February (no broken bones), but complications developed and she was cared for with hospice assistance at home and died peacefully on April 6 with family beside her. A couple minutes before her passing, her family played the song “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane,” not only a song she loved from 40+ years ago, but befitting her usual voyages and this ultimate one.
Sherry is survived by 6 of her Riehle brothers (Dick, Archie, Bill, Frank, George and Tom). She is also survived by her husband, Ned, and her 2 children, Rebecca (Fine) Audiss and Jessica Fine and 4 grandchildren: Isaac & Emmett Kleinman and Logan & Emily Audiss.
Given Covid, no services are being planned at this time.
Visit her online memorial at: https://www.forevermissed.com/sherry-fine/about
November 21, 2021
Garnet Valley, PA Resident
We have received sad news of the passing of former Manhattan chapter member Anick Guillaume Gornish on Sunday, November 21, 2021.
During the years she lived in New York, Anick was active with World Wings and was at times responsible for the silent auctions held at our Christmas holiday events.
Anick flew with both Pan Am and Delta. Upon retirement from Delta in 2012, Anick and her husband moved to Pennsylvania. Many will remember Anick as being not only a flight attendant but a travel agent and the owner of a CrusieOne Travel franchise.
Arrangements are not yet finalized. Further information will be posted when it becomes available.
Condolences for Anick’s husband Stan, daughter Elise and son David can be sent to:
Stan Gornish
41 Hutton Lane
Garnet Valley, PA 10960
Donations in Anick’s memory for research to find a cure for Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy can be made to:
Mass General Hospital
MEMO: 1200-008184
MGH Development Office
c/o Shawn Fitzgibbons
100 Cambridge Street, 13th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Specify the donation is made in memory of Anick Guillaume Gornish.
April 23, 1933 – January 15, 2021
Portland Chapter
Our family and community have lost a wonderful member, Joyce Jo Ann Hardin, who passed peacefully in her home on Friday, January 15th. Born to Leonora and Ora Raine, she experienced 87 wonderful years as a wife, mother, teacher, world traveler, and community contributor. She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Herb, two sons, Brett and Garth, stepson Kevin, brother Merton Raine, sister Karen Wyles, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Jo Ann’s childhood years were spent in Bozeman Montana. She later moved to Selah, Washington, where she graduated from high school, and then started college at the University of Washington. In 1954, she spread her wings and became a Flight Attendant for Pan American World Airways. This coveted position allowed her to experience the world in the last years of propeller-driven passenger aircraft, such as the Lockheed Constellation, and the very first years of the new jet age on the Boeing 707. She flew out of NYC from 1954-1956. After Pan Am, she continued flying from SFO to the Orient with Flying Tigers and Riddle Airlines and with Trans Caribbean Airline from NYC to Puerto Rico.
After meeting her future husband, Jo Ann moved to Hawaii where she earned a teaching degree at the University of Hawaii and spent 24 years teaching French, Spanish, and English for the Hawaii Public School District. She was very active with her students and faculty and served as the President of the Hawaii Association of Foreign Language Teachers. One of the highlights of her teaching career was an original education program she created by taking 10 of her Hawaiian students on a study tour of England, France, and Spain. She remained in contact with some of these students through the years. She married Herb Hardin in Hawaii in 1962 and they honeymooned on Kauai. They raised their two sons, Brett and Garth, in the city of Kailua, Oahu.
After retiring in 1996, they moved to Pupukea on Oahu’s North Shore. Herb and Jo Ann decided to return to their roots in the Northwest, building their final retirement home in White Salmon, Washington, by the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Jo Ann became active in community affairs, serving as a board member of the Gorge Heritage Museum, president of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and as an officer with World Wings International. Jo was also an avid genealogist. She will be missed by all that knew her. Her loving spirit will live in our hearts forever. Aloha nui, Jo Ann, even after death do us part.
August 28, 1932 – November 5, 2021
Portland, OR Resident
Jacqueline Hornstra, a longtime Portland homemaker, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 after a brief illness, she was 89. Jackie is survived by her three children and their spouses, Gail Johnson (Richard), Vicki Pope (Kevin) and Roger Hornstra (Kathi); along with three grandchildren, Megan Mumford (Andy), Brion Johnson and Adam Hornstra. Jackie enjoyed hosting friends and family at her heart shaped swimming pool in Portland’s West Hills. Many good times were shared there over the 25 years she and her husband Ray owned the home. She is survived by great-grandsons Marston and Jameson Mumford; along with her brother, Ed Pean; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband, Raymond preceded her in death in 2004.
Jacqueline was born in 1932 in Chicago, Ill., to Andre and Louise Pean, a pastry chef and his seamstress wife who both emigrated from France in the 1920s. French was spoken in the family home so Jackie became fluent at an early age. After graduating from Taft High School in 1950 and briefly attending Wright Junior College, Jackie became a stewardess for Pan American Airlines. She enjoyed flying internationally in the days gourmet meals were prepared in the galley but put her career aside in 1955 when she and Ray were married. In 1966, Ray and Jackie moved from Chicago with their three kids to Oregon, where Ray started Cash Register Sales Co., in downtown Portland. They owned a small airplane and flew many trips around the country with their friends in the Pilots Club. Jackie was also very active in World Wings International, a large group of retired Pan Am flight attendants that held events to support local charities, and was one of the founders of the organization’s Portland Chapter.
November 26, 1945 – July 16, 2021
Marysville, WA Resident
Sandra (Sandy) was born November 26, 1945 in Yakima, WA. At 3 lb., 13 oz. she was the smallest baby born in Yakima County in 1945. Thanks to excellent medical care and a loving family she grew and flourished.
Sandy always loved school and enjoyed studies and music. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1964 and then entered the University of Washington. While at the University, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority where she made many friends. Graduation with honors was in 1968, Phi Beta Kappa, Cum Laude.
Her degree in French led her to a career with Pan American Airways. She was lucky to spend fifteen years traveling the world during the “Golden Years” of jet travel.
In 1979 Sandy met and married her husband Donald Keefe. Together they enjoyed world travel, camping, and music. 1989 brought a new degree and career in accounting. She retired as a staff accountant in 2015.
All through her life, Sandy loved animals, cats in particular. Somehow, those with the greatest problems always seemed to find her. Fortunately, her husband Don, always a dog lover, was converted to the feline side.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Helen Naff, her husband Don, and her beloved big sister Dianne Rabung. She is survived by her brother-in-law Don Rabung, her nephews Gene Rabung, Steve Rabung, William Rabung, Sam Rabung, John Rabung, Andy Rabung, and her niece Margaret Rabung Cyr, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Throughout her life she was blessed with a very special friend Reidun Decker.
At her request there will be no service. In her memory, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
May 20, 1943 – September 12, 2021
St. Louis, MO Resident
Beverly Joan Kunzi, 78, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in Southlake, Texas.
Burial service will be held on Monday, September 20th at 10:00a.m. at St. Paul Churchyard located at 7600 S Rock Hill Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Arrangements are by Kutis Affton Funeral Home.
Beverly was born in St. Louis, MO to Julius and Opal Kunzi on May 20, 1943. She recently retired after 50 years as a flight attendant for Pan American and United Airlines. Beverly treasured her family, horses and pets. She was a free spirited, adventuresome and artistic person with lots of wisdom to share. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
Beverly was preceded in death by her father, Julius; mother, Opal; her sisters, Debbie Carol Hopp, Renee Stephens, Linda Kunzi, Debbie Kunzi; her brother, Robert Kunzi; and her nephew, Jeffrey Kunzi.
Beverly is survived by her nieces Terri Howard, Tracy Long, Tammy Tiffany and Kimberly Forrester.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you send donations in honor of Beverly to a charity of your choice.
The family of Beverly Joan Kunzi wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX.
May 18, 1936 – February 26, 2021
Bournemouth, England Resident
It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Joan Lardy after a lengthy illness. Joan was one of those people who seemed to be known by so many people in Pan Am. She began flying in 1957. Eventually settling in the UK and opening the London Base in 1972, she became one of the very few In-Flight Directors at the base. She was the London base’s IUFA representative for many years.
A virtual memorial service will be held on March 9th at 2:15 GMT. Please contact Karolina Gantchar (London chapter) for details.
December 14, 1947 – April 4, 2021
Reno Chapter
We have received the sad news that Yumi Massi passed away on April 4th, 2021 in San Francisco.
Yumi was hired by Pan Am on February 6th, 1969. As a Japanese speaker she was originally based in Honolulu from 1969-1974. She then flew out of London from 1974-77 and New York from 1977-1991. After Pan Am she continued her flying career at Delta Airlines, retiring in 2016.
Yumi met her future husband, Bob Massi, on a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo. Bob was on his second flight as a “Silver Winger” (new hire). Yumi was the Japanese qualified flight attendant. They married on June 7th, 1975 in San Francisco.
Yumi was a member of the Manhattan Chapter for many years. After moving to Nevada she joined the Reno Chapter.
We remember Yumi’s grace and elegance.
On-line condolences may be posted at this link:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-francisco-ca/yumi-massi-10138434
October 23, 2021
Oakland Park, FL Resident
We have received the sad news that Frances McChesney passed away on October 23, 2021 in Ft. Lauderdale after battling cancer for a year.
Frances spoke German and spent a year in Germany before joining World Airways for a year. She then joined Pan Am in 1979 and did her initial training in Honolulu. After Pan Am she continued flying out of JFK with Delta.
Sao Paulo was her favorite destination and she flew that route for many years.
She was known for her exceptional galley skills. Frances kept every uniform she ever wore: World Airways, Pan Am and Delta.
She is survived by her brother Arthur McChesney. Condolences may be sent to:
Arthur McChesney
4460 NE 18th Ave
Oakland Park, FL 33334
September 7, 1946 – July 10, 2021
Jupiter, FL Resident
Francine Virginia McGinnis, née Restivo, passed peacefully on July 10th after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Francine was a fierce independent spirit, creative talent, and beloved mother. Raised as one of four girls in a Sicilian-Polish family in Orange County, California, back when Orange County really was “actually a bunch of orange groves,” as she’d say, Francine learned to play the accordion and performed as a song leader at La Habra High School. As a young adult, Francine boldly ventured where few women of her generation had gone, traveling the world as an international flight attendant and purser for National, Pan Am, and Delta airlines. She was a member of World Wings for years, and was a former president of the Miami chapter. Later, she completed her undergraduate degree at Florida International University and a Master of Cinematography at University of Miami. She wrote numerous cookbooks and scripts, many revolving around her experience in the skies as a glamorous Pan Am “stew.”
Her primary life’s work, however, was as a mother and homemaker extraordinaire. In addition to raising her two youngest daughters alone, she kept a house that would make Martha Stewart jealous, earning both interior design and real estate licenses. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by daughters Julie, Heather, and Kimberly; son Ryan, son-in-law Sam; daughter-in-law Yasmin; granddaughters Tatiana and Samantha; grandsons, Toł and Ko’ehdan; and dearest pets, Mia and Eva. Her family will hold a celebration of her life on Saturday, July 17th, in Palm Beach. Please contact Kathy Demont, Florida Treasure Coast Chapter, if you are able to attend and provide Francine with a Pan Am worthy send-off.
September 14, 1936 to June 19, 2021
Santa Fe, NM Resident
Gigi Minke, world traveler, author, and great beauty, died peacefully June 19 at Kingston Residence of Santa Fe. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lobsang Lhalungpa, whose teachings and Buddhist practice she lovingly supported. She is survived by two sisters and one brother in Germany; Richhild Glittenberg, Ute Minke-Koenig, and Dr. Dierk Minke; and two stepsons in Canada, Samphe Lhalungpa and Tenzin Lhalungpa.
Gigi was born in 1936 in Potsdam, Germany. She studied English at University of Cambridge, England; and French at Alliance Francaise in Paris. Wanting to see more of the world, Gigi became an International Stewardess for Pan American Airlines in 1960, working in luxurious Pan Am Clippers. The job required a college education, six weeks of intensive training, and facility in three languages. She would remain with Pan Am for 26 years.
In 1969, Gigi met Ernst Haas, a well-known Austrian-American photographer. They traveled together for many years and they collab- orated on the book, Himalayan Pilgrimage, 1978. Deeply affected by the Tibetan culture, she spent seven winters at Happy Valley, the Tibetan Children’s Village in Mussoorie, India, and in many other Tibetan Refugee villages in India, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.
In 1975, Gigi met Lobsang Lhalungpa, Tibetan scholar and former member of the 13th Dalai’s government in Tibet, at the Newark Museum’s Tibetan Symposium. They married in 1981 and lived in New York City. After Gigi’s retirement from Pan Am in 1986, they moved to Virginia outside Washington, DC where she worked for the World Bank. In 1989, they moved to Santa Fe and Gigi worked for the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Eugene V. and Claire E. Thaw Charitable Trust.
“Gigi la,” as she was known in Santa Fe’s Tibetan Buddhist community, was a warm, generous person who shared her grace and intelligence with all who knew her. We will not forget her undaunted energy and her delight in so many aspects of life.
A memorial ceremony for Gigi will be held this fall. For information about the memorial or to share memories, please contact gigiminkememorial@gmail.com.
Remembrances may be made to: Tibetan Children’s Village: https://www.sos-usa.org/take-action/donate-for-a-child/general-donation-form or to Tibetan Association of Santa Fe.
May 19, 1946 – April 19, 2021
Stamford, CT Resident
Moira (Lynch) Notis of Stamford, CT, passed away on April 19, 2021. She was born May 19, 1946, in Ashington, Northumbria, England, the only child of George and Winnie (Haggerty) Lynch.
Her family relocated to Dusseldorf, West Germany and remained there until the late 1950’s. They then relocated back to London, settling at Dockwell Close, Feltham, where she attended secondary school at a Catholic School for girls in Hunslow. She graduated high school (took her “A Levels”), at age 18.
Shortly after graduating, she obtained a ground crew position at Heathrow Airport. In 1968 she was accepted by Pan American Airways as an Airline Attendant and moved to America for her training. By this time Moira could speak French and German as well as English which made her an extremely valuable employee. She retired in 2008 after working for Pan Am and Delta Airlines for a combined total of 40 years.
Moira met her beloved husband, Tom Notis (deceased), while both were working for Pan Am. They were married on June 6th, 1981, and were together for 29 years before Tom passed away.
She leaves behind her cousins: Jean Greenwood, Sarah and Christopher Skinner, as well as other cousins living in England. She also leaves her family by marrage; Brothers in Law, Paul Notis and Richard Constantin, and nieces Janet Constantin Stuart and Linda Constantin.
A memorial Mass will be held at Saint Clement Church, 535 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford, CT on June 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Moira’s name to Saint Clement Church or to a charity of your choice.
For the safety of all those attending her funeral services, please wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
To leave an expression of sympathy for Moira’s family online, you may sign the guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or visit the funeral home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome .
August 2, 1935 – October 11, 2021
Oakland Chapter
Sylvia Jutta Rosalie Wallburger Ortlieb, 86, of Walnut Creek. CA, passed away on October 11, 2021 in Walnut Creek, CA.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek, CA on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 2:00pm.
Sylvia was born in Brooklyn, New York to Henry and Carla Wallburger on August 2, 1935. As a young girl, she and her family moved to San Bernardino, CA. She went to high school at San Bernardino High School and graduated in 1953. Sylvia received her Associate Degree at University of California, Berkeley. She then worked as a Stewardess for Pan American Airways, where she met her beloved husband, Norman.
She enjoyed traveling, tennis, knitting, water skiing, snow skiing, swimming and being with her children and grandchildren. She worked extensively with Saint Matthew Lutheran Church as a Sunday school teacher and youth program director. As a volunteer at Shadelands Ranch, she led many tours and festivities for the Walnut Creek Historical Society. She actively participated in the Oakland Chapter of World Wings International.
Sylvia is survived by her two sons, Jim (Carole) Ortlieb; Rob (Deirdre) Ortlieb; her 5 grandchildren Michael (Kayla), Devin, Mark, Scott and Sean; as well as nieces Evelyn, Carolyn, Sherilyn and nephew Edward. She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Ortlieb, her sister Sonia Revitt, and her parents.
Memorial donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 or American Parkinson Disease Association at www.apdaparkinson.org .
February 19, 2021
Stockholm Chapter
Christina Staaf Palmstierna, a member of WWI Stockholm, passed away on February 19 after a short illness. Her maiden name was Leander. In 1965 she was elected Queen of Mälaren (Stockholm is surrounded by the Lake Mälaren) and she officially represented Stockholm for a year. That position goes to a young lady with excellent language skills and a pleasant personality. During that year she also shot a short movie with Roger Moore. When the year was over Pan Am was lucky enough to hire her.
After returning to Sweden she started a company together with her husband and she had a very active part in running it all through her working career. In recent years, she became a skilled bridge player and an equally good golfer. We mourn with her family.
May 31 1949 – July 4, 2021
Wilton, CT Resident
SuAnne Fehr Ramsey, born in Peoria, IL, was the daughter of the late Milton and Marian O’Marah Fehr. She was the wife of Edward C Ramsey. Services will be held on Friday July 16, 2021 at 11:00 am at Hoyt Funeral Home located at 199 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840, followed by a short reception to be announced. For more information, please call Michael Ramsey at 203.984.9509. Inurnment will be at a later date in Athens, IL at the convenience of the family.
She was the second oldest of four daughters and was raised on a farm in Eureka, IL. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1967 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972 from Illinois State University with a focus on French, Spanish and German. After graduating college, she flew off to New York City, NY to begin her career with Pan American World Airways after accepting the highly coveted position of flight attendant. She later transitioned to Delta Air Lines, where she culminated her 40 plus years of flying to far away destinations, absolutely loving her job. She just recently retired.
SuAnne loved her life! She especially loved hosting dinner parties in her home for friends and family. She was a talented singer, enjoyed all types of music, believed in staying strong and fit, and adored cuddling with her precious kitty, Lolly. SuAnne will be greatly missed for her big smile, generous heart and her fun personality. She will be remembered by her family and many friends for her strength, independence, and determination to not merely survive, but thrive.
SuAnne is survived by her two sons, Michael of Springfield, MA and Aaron of Middletown, CT, and one grandson, the apple of her eye, Lincoln. Also surviving are her two sisters, Sandra Fehr Davis (Byron) of Charleston, WV and Kate Fehr Osipowich (Tom) of Windsor, CA, and nieces, JoAnnaHinrichsen Hall, Eureka, IL and Halle Taylor Fehr, Windsor, CA, and one great nephew, James Hinrichsen.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to the Stanley Medical Research Institute for Mental Health, 10605 Concord Street, Suite 206, Kensington, MD 20895 or the charity of your choosing. For online condolences
and directions, please visit www.Hoytfuneralhome.com
April 19, 2021
Idaho Resident
We have received the sad news that Nadja Rosellen passed away on April 19th, 2021 in Idaho. Nadja started with Pan Am in 1967, class 23 and was based in New York. An avid skier, she was a member of the Pan Am ski team. After Pan Am she continued her flying career with Delta Airlines. In retirement she enjoyed skiing and hiking. She is survived by her husband Tim Taylor.
We remember Nadja for her energy and enthusiasm.
Elmhurst, NY Resident
It is with great sadness that we must tell you that Michael Spilios passed away at the end of January 2021 from a heart attack. He began his Pan Am career in 1973. He flew out of New York and London as Purser. After Pan Am, he continued his flying career with United Airlines until retiring in 2012.
We remember Michael for his exuberance and great sense of humor.
November 31, 1931 – September 27, 2021
Long Island Chapter
The Long Island Chapter announces with great sadness the death of our longtime member Lena
Spongberg, who passed away peacefully on 9-27-2021 in Clemmons, NC. Due to declining health, she had moved to Clemmons to be closer to her son.
Lena was born in Belfast, Ireland, one of 2 boys and 3 girls, in 1931. In 1945 she became a boarder at Assumption High School in Ballynahinch, County Down, and graduated in 1950 from a 5 year program in liberal arts. She worked as a teacher in a Catholic school, a nurse in a Catholic hospital and 6 years in civil service. Speaking French and some Spanish she was hired in Belfast by Pan American to become a stewardess in New York, starting to travel all over the globe.
Lena met her husband, a flight engineer instructor for Pan Am. Regulations at the time required that she resign after they married. She joined World Wings Long Island and remained a member until her death. After her husband’s early death, she returned to school to complete her degree in Business Administration. In addition to school and and while raising her children Chris and Erica on Long Island, she worked various travel-related jobs at Kennedy Airport and in
Manhattan.
We will always remember Lena for her great spirit and warm friendship.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton Funeral Home on October 3, from 2 to 6 PM, with a Funeral Mass on October 4 at 10:30 AM at St. Christopher’s RC Church in Kings Park, Long Island.
June 1, 1948 – January 11, 2021
Seattle, WA Resident
Douglas Edward Tyler left this world on January 11th, 2021. He entered on June 1st, 1948. His parents, Gussie and Bonnie Tyler preceded him in passing. Scott Norman, his partner of 40 years survives him.
He saw the world. With his years at Pan American World Airways, Braniff, and United Airlines, his work took him to all parts of the planet. Local art from Lima. Lebanon before the war. Teheran before the revolution. Istanbul, where the cherries were as big as golf balls. The gold markets in Bangkok, antique stores in Shanghai, and the Great Wall at dawn. He stole towels from The Helmsley in New York and The Phonecia in Beirut. And India. Amazing India. His favorite part of each far-flung trip was returning to home, to Seattle. He learned to love cats and Democrats. The good people at Kaiser made the end of his life better than it would have been without them.
1937 – June 23, 2021
Manhattan Chapter
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our chapter member and dear friend Ann Venables-Kyrke. “Annie” succumbed to cancer just before midnight on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
Annie was vivacious, energetic, and a dedicated lover of life who lived it fully. Born in London in 1937 and raised in Baverstock, a tiny village in the south of England, Annie was hired by Pan Am in December,1963. While primarily based at JFK, Annie enjoyed assignments at several temporary bases including HKG, THR and TYO.
After Pan Am ceased operations Annie continued her flying career with Delta where she was still employed at the time of her passing. This year would have been Annie’s 57th year of flying. She was quite determined to see it through to 60 years, at which point she said she “might” consider retiring. Not that retirement would have kept Annie on the ground. There was too much life to live to sit still.
Annie flew extensively around Pan Am’s world and made many friends along the way. She befriended an African chief and an Indian maharaja and triumphed over members of the Australian navy to win a beer drinking contest in Hong Kong. Annie never forgot the war weary GIs she interacted with on Vietnam R&R flights or the traumatized passengers who survived death and destruction during the 1986 hijacking of Flight 73 in Karachi. Despite a 55-hour duty day, Annie provided solace and support to survivors of the hijacking, bringing them to their final destination of JFK.
During her years with Delta Annie discovered the delights of Las Vegas, particularly its gaming tables where she became well known for her skill and penchant for winning. She also enjoyed flying the New York Mets charters, befriending the team—all of whom knew her by name. Annie became a dedicated Mets fan.
Annie is survived by a cousin in England and many, many friends world wide.
Annie loved life and had an amazing journey along the way. She graced us with her presence, sharing friendship, laughter and good times. She truly was a legend in her own time. Fly onward Annie.
Annie’s memorial service at JFK’s Lady of the Skies Chapel can be viewed here: Ann Venables Kyrke Memorial Service
April 4, 2021
Phoenix Chapter
It is with heavy hearts that we, Karin Furrh and Kristen Tolbert, share with you that our mom, Gabrielle Ward, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Gabrielle joined Pan Am in 1962 and remained with the airline until 1972, flying out of New York to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Memories were shared at a Celebration of Gaby’s Life gathering in May.
For those who wish to express sympathy, please consider making a donation in Gaby’s name to Good Shepherd Healing Ministries Horse Rescue (gshmhorserescue.org or 602-615-7075).
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