Charles McCollister / Los Angeles Chapter
Sandra “Sandy” Myers / Willow Street, PA Resident
Bea Bang Pine / Dallas-Ft Worth Chapter
Maree Starr-Chavez / Grenada Hills, CA Resident
Sarah Twibell / Portland Chapter
Thea Waagaard / Provence, France Resident
Christine Meyer Wilson / Marin Chapter

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

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

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.

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.