Charles McCollister / Los Angeles Chapter
Sandra “Sandy” Myers / Willow Street, PA Resident
Johannes “Han” Pigmans / Manhattan Chapter
Bea Bang Pine / Dallas-Ft Worth Chapter
Heidi Senglaub / Reno Chapter
Helene Shapiro / Bethesda, MD Resident
Sally Meddock Smith / Phoenix Chapter
Christine Staples / Norwell, MA Resident
Maree Starr-Chavez / Grenada Hills, CA Resident
Sarah Twibell / Portland Chapter
Thea Waagaard / Provence, France Resident
Christine Meyer Wilson / Marin Chapter
May Yasuda / San Francisco Resident

SARAH JEANETTE BERGER
April 5, 1950 – January 17, 2024
Bothell, WA Resident

It is with sadness that the Seattle chapter reports the passing of Sarah Berger after a short battle with a rare cancer.

Sarah Jeanette Berger, nee Slater, was born in Australia on April 5, 1950 to a South African father–a trade minister–and a Canadian mother. Soon after, they moved to Hong Kong, then to Sweden when she was 9, and to England when she was 12. At 17, she took a job as an au pair in Italy and gained fluency in Italian.

A few years later, after returning to Hong Kong, she was hired by Pan Am. She was based in New York and Honolulu before moving to the Seattle area. She joined United Airlines during their acquisition of Pan Am’s Pacific routes in 1985, and commuted to their San Francisco base. She retired from United in 2022.

Sarah passed away from an aggressive lymphoma on January 17, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Chris, two sisters and a brother in the UK, and a stepdaughter and stepson. At her request, no services are planned.

Condolences may be sent to:
Chris Berger
15208 93rd Pl NE
Bothell, WA 98011

ANNE E. CALLAHAN
July 20, 1920 – June 17, 2024
Member At Large

Anne Emelia Callahan, born Anicka Stechova in Havlickuv Brod, Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic) on July 20, 1920, died on June 17, 2024 at the age of 103. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was three, and settled in Chicago’s Czech neighborhoods of Pilsen, Cicero and Berwyn. Anne was only 16 when her mother died from muscular dystrophy. The Great Depression necessitated that she leave high school to work, but she continued her education at night at Crane Technical College. Her workplace, a sewing machine factory, transitioned to manufacturing airplane parts 1938, and Anne became a Woman’s Ordinance Worker (WOW).

As the nation entered WWII, Anne took a position with the Civil Service at Fairmont Army Air Base, Nebraska, where she would meet her future husband, Air Force Captain Leslie Callahan. When the war ended, Anne’s innate spirit of adventure drew her to work for early domestic airlines: American Overseas Airline, Scandinavian Airline System (SAS), and Venezuelan Airlines. Before long she was accepted into flight attendant training with iconic Pan American World Airways. It became the job of her dreams, and she embarked on the adventure of a lifetime to explore the world. Because she was bilingual, she was assigned to international flights in Pan Am’s Atlantic and Pacific divisions, traveling to dozens of countries across Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific before most people were able to access world travel. To her delight, she was twice assigned to work on flights to her native Czechoslovakia.

Anne married Leslie Callahan on July 16, 1949, a move she hid from her superiors at Pan Am for several months so she wouldn’t have to leave her job, a requirement at the time. In the days leading up to her wedding, she was assigned to fly to the Belgian Congo. Despite protests from her nervous fiancé, she did make it back in time for her wedding.

Once married, Anne and Leslie (Les) embarked on a new chapter in Rochester, NY for Les’ position with Eastman Kodak Company. They soon started their family and had three children. Anne immersed herself in her family, social work with Lake Avenue Baptist Church, and becoming a passionate environmentalist, advocating for recycling long before it was mainstream. She also became an early historic preservationist, saving the historic Horatio Alger House in their suburb of Irondequoit, where the couple lived for 40 years.

Anne’s Czech heritage defined her throughout her life and contributed to her international world view. She often “found” recent immigrants who had fled communist Czechoslovakia at great personal peril, and she and Les would help them settle into new lives in America. Les was able to secure most of them employment at Kodak.

Following Les’s passing in 1991, Anne moved to Lincoln to live near her in-laws and son. This move exposed her to the large Czech communities in Nebraska, and she soon became active in the Czech Club of Lincoln and the University of Nebraska’s Czech Language Department. She loved tutoring and mentoring UNL students studying the Czech language, and initiated the Charles and Anna Stecha Scholarship at the Czech Language Foundation for UNL students in honor of her parents.

A lifelong learner, Anne could always be found reading and turning new knowledge into lectures for various groups. Most notable were her talks on Mozart, and Czech diplomat and leader Jan Masaryk, who was murdered in the chaotic years after WWII. Anne never lost her passion for travel, and returned to many European and Mediterranean countries with family members as long as her health allowed. In 1998, she was invited to Germany to join the 50th anniversary celebration honoring the Berlin Airlift. She spent two weeks traveling to air shows around Britain and Europe giving tours of the Lockheed Constellation, the iconic aircraft she had flown with Pan Am.

Anne’s remarkable good health and sharp mind allowed her to live independently until the age of 98, when she decided to move into a retirement community in Lincoln. While residing at Gateway Vista, she embraced new neighbors with typical good humor, and could often be found sitting with them outside the entrance shooting the breeze and enjoying the sunshine. Anne will be remembered by friends and family as a loving and joyful spirit who embraced life fully.

She is survived by her three children: Barbara (Joseph) McNamara, Carol Callahan (Brian Kittle), and Robert (Lynn) Callahan, seven beloved grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. A celebration of Anne’s life will be held at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home on July 12, 2024 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Czech Language Foundation for the Charles and Anna Stecha Memorial Scholarship (czechlanguagefoundation.org) or Second Baptist Church of Lincoln (secondbaptistlincoln.org).

Seyem Biké Cardoza
03/27/1934 – 05/28/2024
Berkeley, CA Resident

Seyem Biké Cardoza died on May 28, 2024, due to injuries suffered from a fall. She was born on March 27, 1934, in Kobe, Japan, to Feyzurahman and Gamile Gizatullin, Kazan Tatars who escaped from Russia during the revolution. Her parents met and married in Harbin, Manchuria, and lived in Seoul, Korea, before settling in Kobe, Japan, where they raised Seyem and her five siblings in an expatriate Tatar community of several hundred.

Seyem attended a community school, taught in the Tatar language and written in Arabic script, until an American bombing in 1945 destroyed 90 percent of Kobe. All of her family survived. A French-Canadian school reopened in 1947, which she attended until 1950. Classes were taught in English and French, written in the Roman script. In 1950, she enrolled in what became Kyoto American High School, from which she graduated in 1954.

Her family was stateless until 1953, when Turkey offered them citizenship. In 1954, Seyem was sent to Istanbul where she lived for a year before going to Geneva for six months to care for family. She then lived in Hong Kong for a year before returning to Istanbul. In 1957, she married an American pilot who flew in Burma and China during the war under Chenault and then remained in the Far East. They lived in Taipei, Taiwan, until 1961 when she came to the United States, became an American citizen, and ended the marriage.

Seyem settled in San Francisco and worked for Pan Am as a “Clipper Skipper,” a hostess in the airline’s VIP lounge at SFO, known as the Clipper Club. In 1974, she resigned from Pan Am and then worked part time for 20 years in passenger relations for Singapore Airlines. In 1968, she spent three months as a volunteer for the Dooley Foundation in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she ran a nursery for the children of Tibetan refugees whose mothers were occupied weaving carpets. In 1970, she spent a year in Osaka, Japan, managing the VIP lounge of the American Ambassador at Expo ’70.

In 1973, Seyem married John Cardoza, and they settled in Berkeley, where they lived for over 50 years. In 1976, they adopted a son, Benjamin. Her family, friends, and many interests kept her busy in her later years. She was fluent in Japanese and Tatar; respected for her talent and passion for floral design and arrangement; and qualified as a teacher of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. She was an active member of the American Turko-Tatar Association, the East Bay Auxiliary of the San Francisco Fine Arts Museums, the Claremont Book Club, the Berkeley Tennis Club, and the Claremont Hotel Pool and Spa.

Seyem is survived by her husband John, son Benjamin, daughter Mary, identical twin granddaughters Meghan and Kathryn Hill, and grandsons Andrew and Nicholas. She will be remembered for her elegance, charm, and grace by a host of friends and family around the world.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Claremont Country Club from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Please note the club requires jackets for gentlemen.

JULIO BARRETO COACHMAN
June 17, 2024
Apex, NC Resident

Julio Barreto Coachman, 88, of Apex, NC passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home. He was a loving husband and father and is dearly missed by all who knew him.

Born in Santos, Brazil, he was the son of the late John William Coachman and Alice Barreto Coachman.

Julio was a dedicated airline employee for over 35 years. His favorite position was as an international flight purser for Pan American World Airways for 31 years based in Miami, FL, where he met and married his wife, Carla, who was also a flight attendant and later purser. He often shared fond memories of his decades-long career with Pan Am and the places and people he encountered along the way.

After his airline career ended, he continued working in various service positions in the Asheville/Hendersonville, NC areas. He was also able to devote more time to his red Volkswagen Beetle and his immense music collection, which he loved sharing with family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Carla Cangiamila Coachman; three daughters, Karen Alice Coachman of Raleigh, NC, Angela Coachman Chanh of Durham, NC, and Giuliana Cassidy of Lake Worth, FL; two sisters, Alice Coachman Braschoss of Philadelphia, PA and Maria José Coachman Rombauer of São Paulo, Brazil; and numerous cousins and extended family members all over the world. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Vera Coachman, and his brother Carlos Eduardo Coachman.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will plan a celebration of life at a later date. To honor his life-long love of music, the family encourages donations made in his honor to Triangle Youth Music at https://www.triangleyouthmusic.org/.

The family wishes to give a special “Thank You” to Transitions HospiceCare and Synergy Home Care, for their support during the nearly nine months in their care.

GUNILLA KUYLENSTIERNA CRAWFORD
January 3, 2024
Miami Chapter

The Miami Chapter is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend, Gunilla Crawford. Gunilla had an amazing career in aviation, working with numerous airlines across the globe and training flight attendants worldwide. She was kind and generous and became a legend in the industry. We will provide a full obituary and announce the memorial service as information becomes available.

MADELINE A DEVANEY
January 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024
Manhattan Chapter

Madeline Devaney, a beloved native New Yorker with an unwavering pride in her Irish heritage, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at her home. She was born on January 12, 1943, in the vibrant borough of Bronx, New York, to her loving parents Bridie (Nee McDonough) and John James Devaney.

Madeline’s adventurous spirit led her to a career as a flight attendant, a role she cherished deeply. With grace and professionalism, she served passengers with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and Delta Air Lines, spanning a career that allowed her to explore the world and share her warmth with countless travelers.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Madeline was cherished for her kind heart and unwavering loyalty to her family and friends. Madeline discovered her natural talent for painting upon retirement, a passion that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She pursued her love of painting at The Art Students League NY, where she enjoyed collaborating and building new friendships with other art students.

She was a pillar of strength and a source of comfort to all who knew her. Her vibrant personality, quick wit, and infectious laughter brought joy to those around her. Madeline’s love for her Irish heritage was evident in every aspect of her life. She celebrated her roots with pride, maintaining cherished traditions and sharing stories of her ancestors with great enthusiasm. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and adventure that will be forever cherished by her family, including her relatives, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

In honoring Madeline’s memory, let us carry forward her spirit of adventure, kindness, and pride in our heritage. Though she may be gone from our sight, her love will continue to guide and inspire us always.

A memorial Mass to celebrate Madeline’s life will be held at St. Joseph’s of Yorkville Church on May 4th at 1:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to two of Madeline’s favorite charities, as she was deeply involved with both organizations:

Health Advocates for Older People, Inc.
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300
New York, NY 10170

Salvation Army Greater New York
120 West 14th Street
New York, NY 10011

PATRICIA DIEDRICH
January 25, 2024
Chicago Chapter

Patricia (Patty) Diedrich, 77, with her sisters by her side, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024, after a long illness. Patty was preceded in death by her parents Loras and Doris Diedrich, and brothers Tommy, Steven, and James. She is survived by siblings Robert (Val), Tim (Shirley), Kathy (Jim), Mary Ann (Tom), Bill (Krista), John (Jean), sister-in-law Caren, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Patty attended St. John’s Elementary, St. Francis High School, and Rosary College where she made many lifelong friends. After college, Patty joined Pan Am in 1969. Based in San Francisco and Chicago during the early 70s, she spent most of her career flying out of JFK and joined Delta after Pan Am’s demise in 1991. In her forty-plus years as a flight attendant, she traveled the world, had many adventures, and witnessed history being made all over the globe; most notably she was present the night the Berlin Wall fell. Well-known and a good friend to many, she will be greatly missed by her Pan Am family.

An English major, Patty delighted in the written word, and appreciated great literature as well as impeccable grammar. She was known for her witty humor and love of gardening and cats. Patty will be remembered for her profound love of her family, especially the generosity, kindness, and genuine interest shown to her 4 nephews, 10 nieces, and 22 great-nieces and nephews. She will be very deeply missed.

Memorial Visitation Saturday February 10, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd. Wheaton, IL 60187. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 233 Church St. Winfield, IL 60190. Services conclude at the church. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016.

In lieu of flowers, Patty’s family has requested that donations be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org

Condolences can be sent to Patty’s brother, John Diedrich.
6111 Ridgewood Ave
Monona, WI 53716

AMERICA MORENO FRANK
September 17, 2024
Cottonwood, CA Resident

America Frank passed away on September 17, 2024, at the age of 87.

America left her home in Wichita, KS in 1958, moving to Miami, Fl, to join Pan Am as a flight attendant. In 1961, she transferred to New York to see more of world with Pan Am. There she met her future husband, Dan Frank. They were married in December, 1961, and moved to Los Angeles. She commuted to San Francisco to continue her career with Pan Am. She transferred to Los Angeles when the airline opened a base there. She remained with Pan Am until the airline sold its Pacific routes to United, and was among those selected to join UAL. She continued flying as Purser for United until 1999, when she and Dan retired to northern California.

America is survived by her husband, Dan, and her daughter, Kimi R Frank, who are still living in Cottonwood, CA.

DEBORAH HENDRICKS
1952 – March 26, 2024
Bucks County, PA Resident

Debbie passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024, at The Horsham Center, North Wales, Pennsylvania, following a valiant battle with kidney disease.

Born in 1952 in Sellersville, Pennsylvania she was the daughter of the late Edward and Irma Hendricks of Dublin, Pennsylvania.

Debbie graduated from Pennridge High School, Perkasie, Pennsylvania in 1970. While there, she performed on the majorette squad and earned the position of Drum Majorette. She delighted her family when she was chosen as Football Queen in her senior year.

Following completion of an Associate Degree at Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey in 1972, she entered a career as international flight attendant—first for Pan Am and then for Delta Airlines. She loved the nearly forty years of service in international flights based out of Dulles, Miami and finally JFK before leaving due to her illness.

Reminded of words spoken by Douglas McArthur so many years ago, Debbie never really retired, she just faded away. Deb loved to remember the good old days, the travel and the adventure. Although she could have lived anywhere in the world she had seen, Debbie chose to live in her beloved Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Services and interment will be private. Condolences may be sent to Debbie’s brother:
Scott Hendricks
P.O. Box 536
Ranchos de Taos NM 87557

SIV HOMENIUS
March 22, 2024
Stockholm Chapter

The Stockholm Chapter is saddened to share news of the passing of longtime member Siv Homenius, following a lengthy illness.

Siv joined Pan Am and flew for two years out of the Chicago base. Her time with Pan Am meant a great deal to her, and when talking with friends and family she often shared stories about her experiences during that period of her life.

Siv is survived by a daughter and a son, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Lidingo Kyrka on the 25th of April at 1 PM.

CHARLES MCCOLLISTER
February 13, 2024
Los Angeles Chapter

The Los Angeles chapter is saddened to announce that Charles McCollister passed peacefully in his sleep in Anacortes, Washington, on February 13, 2024. He will be deeply missed by his many friends from Pan Am and United. He will be buried in a private family grave at a future date.

Condolences may be sent to his brother, John McCollister.
1120 4th St
Anacortes, WA 98221

SANDRA J. “SANDY” MYERS
August 14, 1949 – March 22, 2024
Willow St, PA Resident

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sandra J. “Sandy” Myers on March 22, 2024, a resilient soul who graced this earth with her presence for seventy-four years. Sandra faced the challenges of a Parkinson’s diagnosis with unwavering grace and dignity for over two decades, embodying strength in the face of adversity. Born on August 14, 1949, in El Dorado, AR, she is the daughter of Barbara (Bridgman) Dixon of Willow Street, and the late Jack Myers.

A devoted mother to her daughter Sarah Bridgman Smith of Lancaster, and a loving wife to Charles E. Smith II of Willow Street, with whom she shared over 46 years of marriage, Sandra’s nurturing spirit radiated through her roles as both a parent and a partner. Known for her exceptional hosting skills, Sandy welcomed countless friends and family members into her home with warmth and generosity.

She graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts and dedicated over 22 years as a purser for Pan American World Airways. In her leisure time, Sandy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She delighted in playing tennis, solving crossword puzzles, and engaging in spirited games of bridge and Scrabble. Her collection of seashells from Sanibel Island, Florida, was a testament to her love of the ocean and the beauty of nature.

Sandra’s altruistic nature shone through her volunteer work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and her involvement in various charitable organizations. She was a former President of the Board of the Cathedral Gardens at St. John the Divine, a longtime member of the New York Junior League and St. James Episcopal Church, and an honorary board member of Health Advocates for Older People in New York.

Her memory will be cherished by her mother, husband, daughter, brothers Robert Myers of Houston, TX and Marcus Dixon (Karen) of Huntsville, AL, and all those who were privileged to know her.

A Celebration of Sandy’s life, love and spirit will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Willow Valley Communities, Spring Run Auditorium, 950 Willow Valley Lakes Dr., 5th Floor, Willow Street, PA 17584. Interment will take place at 1 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at St. James’ Church, 865 Madison Ave., New York, Ny 10021. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions may be sent to St. James’ Church at the address above or the Willow Valley Communities Charitable Foundation – In Memory of Sandra J. Myers, 100 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584.

JOHANNES “HAN” PIGMANS
1934 – June 7, 2024
Manhattan Chapter

With sadness, we write to inform you of the passing of long-time Manhattan chapter member Johannes “Han” Pigmans. Born in Amsterdam in 1934, Han passed away in Miami on June 07, 2024, age 90. Han remained healthy and active all his life, playing tennis daily. In November, 2023, Han received a diagnosis of melanoma which was the cause of his death seven months later.

As a young man, Han worked for the Holland America Line, serving as a steward on its cruise ships. In 1957 he made his way from Amsterdam to the United States, living first on the West Coast, then the East Coast where he was hired by Pan Am in 1959. In the early days, Han flew DC7’s and Boeing 377 Stratocruisers. He became a Purser and eventually an Inflight Director for the new Boeing 747. Han loved flying for Pan Am and often said so. While Han continued his flying career with Delta, it was Pan Am that always remained his favorite.

While with Pan Am, Han experienced many notable events, including flying into Tehran in late 1978, during the turmoil of the Iranian revolution. His most memorable Pan Am event was meeting and marrying Pan Am stewardess Kari-Mette Steiner. Han and Kari-Mette flew with Pan Am until 1991, then continued their careers at Delta, retiring in 2002. At the time of Han’s passing, they’d been together for 62 years.

Those who wish may write Kari-Mette:
Kari-Mette Pigmans
2000 Towerside Terrace #TS-12
Miami, FL 33138

A service may be planned for a later date.

HEIDI SENGLAUB
August 29, 1943 – September 15, 2024
Reno Chapter

Born in Rathenow Germany, Heidrun Senglaub, to her friends known as Heidi, passed away September 15, 2024, in Reno Nevada after fighting a brave battle with dementia.

At a young age her family moved to Brazil where some of her family remains. From there, she started her life as a world traveler moving to New York, then to California and then became employed as a flight attendant with Lufthansa, Pan American until 1986, and finally United Airlines.

Heidi made Squaw Valley her home in 1969 and moved to Truckee in the late 70’s. Already an accomplished skier, Heidi loved the mountains and experience all it had to offer. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, gardening, book clubs and gourmet cooking. Making this area her beloved home, she continued to travel the world.

Heidi was extremely adventurous. She took a break from being a flight attendant and jumped on a sailboat to cruise the Pacific Ocean with world renowned sailor, Lowell North. She continued the adventures of sailing different parts of the world when she met her friend Lisa Morrow who became her best friend, companion and her caregiver until the bittersweet end.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, her two brothers Joachim and Ingo, and her husband Joe Senglaub. She is survived by relatives in Brazil and Germany. She will be missed by her many close friends and neighbors here in Truckee and around the world.

Services will be private and by invitation only.
Fair winds and calm seas Lady bug “Ta Ta Ta Ta”

HELENE M SHAPIRO
June 6, 1940 – April 23, 2024
Bethesda, MD Resident

Helene M. (Harper) Shapiro, known for her wit, humor and ‘Pan Am smile’, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2024.

Born in Jessup, Georgia, on June 6, 1940, Helene’s academic prowess and leadership skills were evident during her time at George Washington University, where she was named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” in 1962. Helene balanced her academics and an impressive roster of leadership roles in various campus organizations—all while working for Rep. Robert Woodrow Levering to pay for her tuition. Helene was also a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, Cherry Tree Princess, Engineering Queen, and a sister in Delta Gamma.

Helene’s lived in the spirit of service—from her days at the Pentagon, to her time on the White House Press Charter (under the Johnson administration) and her fearless flights into Vietnam with Pan American Airways, to her 30-year career at the National Institutes of Health.

Helene was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her kindness and humor. She leaves behind her children, Laura-Claire Shapiro Metro (Matt Metro) and Lewis Shapiro (Rachelle Shapiro); and her cherished grandchildren, Maison, Preston, Clayton, and Serena; and cousin, Braswell Dorsey Gamble.

A joyous remembrance was held on April 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to the Washington Humane Rescue Alliance (https://bit.ly/HHSMemorialFund).

SALLY MEDDOCK SMITH
February 9, 1956 – June 20, 2024
Phoenix Chapter

Sally Meddock Smith, cherished wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, at the age of 68 surrounded by her family.

Sally was born on February 9, 1956, in Burlingame, California to Monte and Patricia Meddock. She grew up surrounded by love and developed a strong sense of compassion and dedication to helping others, qualities that defined her life’s journey.

After graduating from Fairfield High School in Fairfield California, Sally attended and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA and was active as both a tennis player and cheerleader; but shortly thereafter became a Flight Attendant for Pan American World Airways, joining her father who was a Pan Am Captain flying 747’s. Sally soon advanced to hold a purser position with Pan Am.

Married to Rob Smith in 1989, they raised their family first in San Diego and then across the country in Groton, MA. Sally’s lifelong love of cuisine included authoring her first book, “Super Soups,” which captured fantastic recipes that she experienced all around the globe while with Pan Am. While busy raising their family in MA, Sally taught cooking classes in their home and later was a Pastry Chef at a well-established eatery outside of Boston. All the while, Sally continued her involvement with Pan Am, becoming the President of the Boston chapter and helping raise money for a wide range of local and national charities. Sally’s genuine concern for others and her unwavering integrity earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her.

Sally found her greatest joy in her family. Together with her soulmate Rob, they shared almost 35 beautiful years together. Sally was a devoted mother to her two children, Connor and Douglas and a loving grandmother to her two beautiful grandchildren. Family gatherings at their home were always filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband, Rob; her children, Connor and Douglas, her grandchildren, Charlie and Claire; her sibling, Karyl, and numerous cousins, nieces, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Sally’s kindness, compassion, and dedication to her family and community will forever be remembered and cherished. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

A memorial celebration of Sally’s Life will be held at a later date in 2024; details will be shared by her family as they become finalized.

Rest in peace, Sally.

CHRISTINE MARIE STAPLES
May 26, 2024
Norwell, MA Resident

Christine Marie Staples of Norwell, MA passed away unexpectedly on May 26, 2024 at the age of 66. She was the daughter of Rita A (McHugh) Staples, deceased, and James F Staples.

Christine was born and raised in Norwell with her four siblings. A large portion of her youth was spent in the Pembroke Imperials Drum and Bugle Corps, where she made many lifelong friends. Her adult years were spent traveling the world as an International Flight Attendant with Pan Am World Airways and United Airlines. Christine had many adventures that most people only dream about. After living in many exotic locations, such as Hawaii, South Africa and Hong Kong, she decided to return to home where she wanted to spend her later years with her loving family. Her love of travel was only surpassed by her love for her family, especially her nieces and nephews.

Christine was also a competitive athlete. While living in Hawaii, she was Ranked Top 10 world-class female Powerlifter in her weight class. Also while living in New York, Christine was one of first women allowed to become a member of the NY Athletic Club, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Christine’s inner strength matched her physical strength as obvious by the tenacity and valiant way in which she fought such an aggressive illness.

Christine is survived by her father, James Staples age 97, of Norwell, her brother James K. Staples and his wife Anne of Norwell, her brother Jay Staples, of Pompano Beach, FL, her sister Jeannine Pavlik and her husband Jim of Marshfield, her sister Alicia Guevara of Rockland, all of her nieces and nephews; Colin, Devin and Sean Staples and his wife Sheridan, Courtney Sawler and her husband Scott, Michelle Staples, J.J. Pavlik, Brennan and Nolan Guevara, and her 3 great nephews, Landon & Jeremy Staples and Connor Sawler and many beloved cousins.

Christine’s beauty was only surpassed by her kindness and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Fly high with the angels Christine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

MAREE STARR-CHAVEZ
February 16, 2024
Grenada Hills, CA Resident

Maree Starr-Chavez passed away February 16,2024 at home with her devoted husband Bob, by her side. Together they bravely fought a years’ long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Condolences may be sent to:
Bob Chavez
17201 Hiawatha St.
Granada Hills, Ca. 91344

Remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice.

SARAH TWIBELL
February 1, 2024
Portland Chapter

The Portland chapter is saddened to announce the passing of Sarah Twibell of State College, PA, on February 1, 2024. She grew up in Portland, where her parents took her as a little girl to PDX to watch the planes take
off and land, and she loved the thought of flying.

Sarah was hired in Portland in 1970 and flew for three years out of ORD and SFO. She remembered her training flight to Puerto Rico, which had such bad turbulence that food trays were sailing all over the cabin. Her
last flight to Manila on a 747 was met by militants pointing machine guns at the plane. Seeing bullet holes in the fuselage, she decided that would be her last trip with Pan Am. She loved everything in between, especially serving first class and flying soldiers out of Vietnam.

Sarah went on to become the owner of Collegiate Athletic Travel, a business in State College, PA, that operates sports tours for college alumni and athletic donor groups. After over 40 years, her absence will be profoundly felt by her work colleagues. She was a longtime member of the Portland chapter of World Wings, keeping in touch with friends from her flying era even while living across the country in Pennsylvania. We will miss her.

CHRISTINE MEYER WILSON
January 13, 2024
Marin Chapter

Longtime Marin member Christine Meyer Wilson passed away on January 13, 2024.

Christine joined Pan Am in the early sixties and was soon promoted to Purser. After Pan Am ceased operations in 1991, Christine turned to the field of medicine and and achieved her goal of becoming a registered nurse, subsequently working as an RN in San Francisco and Marin.

Christine was predeceased by her husband Roland in November, 2022 and is survived by her son Steven, a resident of Marin.