The passing of Irené Meyer on February 6th, 2023 marks the end of a life that was truly a celebration of love, kindness, optimism, and adventure. Born in Glasgow and daughter of the renowned Scottish architect, Arthur Cargill, Irené was a shining star from a young age. In childhood, she developed an interest in drama and theater that blossomed into a lifelong passion for the stage and screen.

In her early 20s, she took flight to a new life when she was hired in Glasgow to be a Pan American World Airways flight attendant. She emigrated to the United States shortly thereafter. In 1959, she was a working crewmember on the first Boeing 707 commercial flight from New York to London. in 1958, she was selected to help host a reception for 10,000 guests at Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C., to launch the inaugural 707 flight to Paris. Mamie Eisenhower christened the jet with a bottle of champagne. Her flying career took her to the Middle East, Great Britain, Europe and Africa. She later worked as a Skipper at the Clipper Club in the new Pan American Terminal at JFK in New York.

Irené continued to follow her ambitions, working in marketing with Nestlé as one of their first women in management. She also continued acting on stage & made appearances on screen in some TV Shows, commercials, and movies! The boldness, strength, and courage she displayed throughout her life continue to inspire those whose lives she has touched. But her greatest accomplishment was the love she bestowed upon those around her, with a smile that radiated warmth and a joie de vivre that was truly contagious. A devoted mother of two, doting grandmother of five, and dear friend to many, Irené deeply cherished her relationships. She will forever be remembered by her loved ones as a blessing in their lives and a shining example of what it means to live a life well-lived and loved.

Former SFO Purser Jeanne Clover passed away in January, 2023.

Jeanne was a force to be reckoned with and a staunch animal lover. She was born in England and traveled the world as a flight attendant for Pan Am. During her Pan Am career, she spent several years as a recruiter, hiring hundreds of new flight attendants and affording them the experience of a lifetime. She was an adventurous soul with a big heart, and her love for the United States was enormous. Jeanne lived a quiet life in Prunedale after retirement, surrounded by her beloved four-legged companions, whom she loved with all her heart. She is remembered as a kind and beautiful person who was loved and admired by so many friends and co-workers. R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that the family of Susan Albert Collins announces her passing on March 19, 2023.
Susan was born on August 30, 1943 to Marjorie (Julius) and Robert Smith Sr. in Chicago, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois, and shortly upon graduating, started a career as a social worker.

Eager to see the world, Susan pursued a new career as a flight attendant, first for Pan Am and later Delta. She loved the camaraderie of her cabin crews, and especially enjoyed her trips to London, one of her favorite cities. Susan often traveled with her mom, bringing her on exciting adventures in Europe and the Middle East prior to retiring after 9/11. When not traversing the globe, Susan launched Susan Albert Interiors, an interior decorating firm. She had a keen eye for design and a gift for decorating beautiful spaces.

In 1991, Susan married John “Fred” Collins in Greenwich, CT. They enjoyed nearly 32 wonderful years of gathering with friends and family (on both land and water!) traveling, hiking, and boating on Long Island Sound.

Susan was an avid gardener with an extensive knowledge of plants and how to care for all of them. When she wasn’t tending to her beautiful gardens, she could be found in the kitchen cooking up a storm, especially during the holidays. Throughout the years, Susan spent countless hours at the “dog beach” playing with her beloved Black Labs, Casey and Tess. Sadly, Tess died just days prior to Susan’s passing after a long and pampered life.

Susan had a great many friends – from their Dolphin Cove neighborhood, to the farm in Pawling, NY, and on deck in Key West, FL (and everywhere in between!). She enjoyed giving back to the community, and served for many years on the Dolphin Cove Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive committee which benefitted Homes for the Brave, Kids in Crisis, Laurel House and Inspirica.

Susan is survived by her loving husband Fred, her stepchildren, John “Fred” Collins of Brooklyn, NY and his fiancée Megan Pikaard, Melissa “Missy” Rice and her husband Gregory of New York, NY and Amanda “Mandy” Collins-Baine and her husband Radley of Old Greenwich, CT. She leaves behind 5 stepgrandchildren, who affectionally named her “Susu”– Annabel, Crawford, Emily, Olivia and Ava. She is also survived by her brother Robert Smith Jr. and his wife Melody of Arlington Heights, Illinois, as well as her nephews Jordan Smith and his wife Taleah and Christopher Smith and his wife Kelly and 6 grand nephews and nieces – Conner, Maverick, Bram, Camryn, Elle and Kinsley.

Family and friends are welcome to a Memorial Gathering on Friday, March 24th from 5:00 -8:00 PM and on Saturday, March 25th at 10:00 AM for a Memorial Service at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Homes for the Brave, an organization that provides housing and services for homeless veterans. https://homesforthebrave.org/support-us/donate-hftb/ 655 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604; (203) 338-0669

Norma Newton Esbenshade, 97, was called to her heavenly home on March 18, 2023. Norma was born in Lempster, New Hampshire, on June 22, 1925, to Freeman George Newton and Gladys Bartlett as the youngest of 4 children. Always wanting an adventurous life, she left N.H and became an airline hostess for Pan Am to see the world. Pan Am suited her dreams of travel and satisfied her curiosity about other cultures, religions and lifestyles. Having an outgoing personality, she was perfectly suited for constant travel and certainly “never met a stranger.”

It was while flying she met and married Pan Am pilot John Merle Esbenshade in 1950. Together they traveled and lived on several continents, including Australia and Europe, before returning to the U.S in 1975. After experiencing so much that the world had to offer, they came to Waynesville to retire.

Norma had many passions, especially animals (wild and domestic) and would love to feed them and watch as they gathered around her back door. Her favorite was her cats and would love to talk at length with anyone who shared her love of God’s creatures. Gardening, crossword puzzles, reading, her church and neighborhood friends were of great importance and meaningful to her. Norma’s religion was her anchor and strength at all times and has now brought her eternal peace. She would often remind those around her that she “has a good working relationship with the Lord.”

Norma is preceded in death by her husband, John Merle Esbenshade, parents Freeman and Maude Newton, sister Irene Martha Veaudry, brother Gordon B. Newton, and infant brother Murray. She is survived by nephews Kenneth Newton (Waynesville), and Gordon F. Newton (Louisville, Kentucky).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or any animal welfare agency. At Ms. Esbenshade’s request, there will be no funeral ceremony.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com for the family.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our dad, Harry Frahm, on April 8, 2023 at the age of 94 after battling cancer and several other complications.

Harry was born in Berlin in 1928 and went through many early hardships during WW2. He met and married his beloved Elisabeth “Lissy” in Hamburg, Germany before finding a perfect fit career with Pan American Airways in ticketing. Always searching to improve quality of life, he moved to the United States in 1956 with his family and became an in-flight purser which allowed him to see the world.

Harry was loved by everyone who met him through the many twists and turns of his life. He was very charismatic, positive, thoughtful, energetic, fun loving, and had a great sense of humor. He was also very interested in learning new things. Amongst many talents and hobbies, Harry was a skilled artist, guitar player, snow and water skier, writer, engineer, world traveler, stamp and coin collector, and avid cruiser. He never stopped being interested to learn new things. In short, Harry lived his long life like a rock star.

Harry leaves behind his only child, Doris, his son-in-law Manuel, and his grandchildren, Manuel and Monica. May he forever rest in peace with his beloved late wife Lizzy, his parents and loved ones who have passed. Per his wishes, there will not be a memorial service. Instead, Harry would have appreciated a donation to a cancer charity of your own choosing.

Harry, you will be missed tremendously.
Rest In Peace Eternally

Condolences can be emailed to mpstranger@yahoo.com

We have received the sad news that Manhattan Chapter member Irena Phillips passed away on January 20th, 2023 in New York City.

Irena was born in Hamburg, Germany. She started with Pan Am in 1965, Class #5. She was based at JFK, LHR and then again at JFK. After Pan Am she flew for Delta Airlines until her retirement. Irena was a patron of the arts and a member of several New York museums. She enjoyed attending gallery openings.

She is survived by her husband Joe Phillips. When information becomes available regarding a memorial service, it will be posted.