Barbara Klenk / New York City Resident
Loretta Puzziferro Kline / Annapolis Chapter
Ron Kresl / Kew Gardens, NY Resident
Jean McCormick / Long Island Chapter
Mona Synnove Nordstrom / Oslo Chapter
Suzanne Neal Perkins / Santa Barbara Resident
Mary Lou Schnitzer / Los Angeles Chapter
Virginia Tanakatsubo / San Mateo, CA Resident
Cornelis (Cees) van Aalst / San Francisco Chapter
Constantine “Dino” Vlahakis / Boston Chapter
Diana Rivera Wiggins / Miami Chapter
Diane Wilkenson / Atlanta Chapter
Joan Wood / Boston Chapter

Carrolle Barlow, 82, of Winchester, Massachusetts, beloved mother, grandmother, Pan American purser, and union and community activist, passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness.

Born in Morristown, NJ , Carrolle was the daughter of Elizabeth Tully and Theodore Astras. She raised her three daughters as a single, working mother and was the matriarch who inspired their fierce independence and strong values. She was a fashion model before becoming a flight attendant at the height of Pan American’s success and glamour. She started her aviation career with Pan American World Airways in 1965 and, after the airline’s demise, flew with Delta until her retirement in 2005. She was a leader in the flight attendants’ union at Pan Am and one time union co-chair at the Boston base, continually fighting for the rights and safety of her flight attendant colleagues. She was a longtime member of the Boston Chapter of World Wings International, a philanthropic organization of former Pan American flight attendants. She had a robust social life with close flight attendant friends in Marblehead, Massachusetts. and enjoyed their close bond and significant time together.

Carrolle became a resident of Winchester, MA in 1972 and was an active member of the Winchester Garden Club for more than 50 years. She nurtured the gardens at her home and basked in their beauty, enjoying all of God’s creatures who would visit daily. She volunteered for civic duty, assisting with voting activities in town. After her retirement, she finally pursued her love of ballet by taking dance classes and developed a wonderful network of ballerina friends. She also studied Italian and was instructed by Daniella, her close neighbor and longtime friend. In her neighborhood she was surrounded by lifelong friends.

Carrolle is survived by her three loving daughters, Theresa (Henry) of Maine, Stacey (Chris) of New Jersey and Heather of Rhode Island – and her five beloved grandchildren: Kurtis, Liza (Austin), Barlow, Christopher and Marcus, and great-granddaughter (Reese). She is also survived by her treasured sister Alicia (Lou) and her niece and nephews (Nicole, John (Kristy), Greg (Lisa)) and their families. Her sister Barbara (Billy) and brother Joey predeceased her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choosing.

Miriam was born on July 10th, 1930 and grew up in Seattle. She graduated with a PhD from the University of San Francisco but chose a different path for her life. In the 1950s, she saw an ad in the paper looking for “International Girls” to fly for Pan Am. She had her initial interview in Texas, where she met and bonded with two other hopefuls: Maria Farias and Irene Figueroa—both of Texas. All three were hired and became Fight Stewardesses for the iconic Pan American Airlines. They were selected for the International Division, due to the fact that Spanish was their first language and they were racially ambiguous. They were paired as roommates during their training, and the trio flew with Pan Am for over two and a half decades. They remained lifelong friends.

A significant event happened to Miriam on one trip, when Miriam was reassigned to Flight 212 from Puerto Rico to JFK on April 7th, 1964. The aircraft crashed into Jamaica Bay. All 136 passengers and other crew members, including Miriam, miraculously survived.

Another significant event happened to Miriam a year later. During an outing with her flight crew in Lisbon, Portugal, she met her future husband, Richard W. Bauer. Richard was a Naval Captain at the time, later becoming an FBI Supervisor in Washington D.C., and a Federal Attorney. They kept in touch via mail and phone for five years, until realizing that they were “the one” for each other. They were married in 1970 and relocated to Malibu, CA in 1976. Their son Wolfgang, aka Richie, was adopted at 6 months in 1978 and attended Webster, Malibu Park/High, Santa Monica High School, and Santa Monica College.

The Bauers were active in their community during the early and mid-eighties, and were members of many organizations around Malibu. Miriam cherished her Pan Am connections and was a longtime member of the Los Angeles chapter of World Wings, until health issues prevented her further participation. Richard passed away in 2007. When Miriam began exhibiting cognitive decline, Wolfgang became her caretaker and conservator, until she succumbed to cancer.

Miriam is survived by her son, Wolfgang Richard Bauer, of Malibu, CA. Professionally, he is a Blockchain and A.I. Analyst, but is currently navigating through post-recovery efforts from the loss of their home of 49 years due to the Palisades Fires. He hopes to be able to rebuild to carry on the legacy of his parents, and help to take part in the change of new post-emergency protocols.

Memorial Services for Miriam will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills at the Column of Eternal Promise, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 3:30pm.

JANNET BOTTING
December 3, 1941 – August 29, 2025
Cupertino, CA Resident

Jannet Botting passed away on August, 29 2025 after an extended illness.  She is survived by her husband James Piazza, of Cupertino, CA.  She is also survived by her sister Hazel and various nieces and nephews. Her parents and 2 brothers pre-deceased her.

Jannet was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and came to the United States when she was about 20 years old.  She was hired by Pan Am in January 1964, attended training in SFO, and was based in SFO until the Base Closure in 1988, then transferred to Delta Airlines, based at JFK. Jannet was great fun to fly with, both on flights and on layovers, and she will be missed.

ANN HAWTHORN BOURAS
March 9, 1936 – July 28, 2025
Boston Chapter

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ann Hawthorn Bouras, age 89, of North Andover, MA.

Ann was born on March 9, 1936 in London, England. She spent her early childhood days in London and later moved to Scotland in her early teens. Her father, who was a composer and musician, started her playing the piano at age 5, and introduced her to the accordion as well. She played in a family band when she was 14 and went on to study piano at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. She supported herself by working as a fashion model. Ann became a Pan-American flight attendant stationed in New York in the early 1960s. She was married to Dr. Leonard Bouras in Brockton, MA in 1963 and lived in Marblehead and Swampscott before moving to North Andover.

Ann’s special interest was in working with underprivileged children, and spent a great deal of time volunteering. She was the President of the Girls Club of Lynn, President of the Mass Medical Auxiliary, a member at-large of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society as well as the Junior Aid Society, Essex South Medical Auxiliary, and Lynn Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of World Wings, a group of former Pan Am flight attendants, whose special charity interest was the New England Home for Little Wanderers.

Ann was an avid tennis player and golfer who ran charity tournaments and coached the JV high school tennis team at Swampscott High School.

Ann was a well regarded realtor with Carlson Real Estate and later started her own brokerage firm, Fife and Drum Real Estate, in Marblehead, MA in the 1990s.

Ann is preceded in passing by her husband as well as her brother James, and is survived by her sisters June and Jan of Suffolk, England, daughters Jennifer Morrissey of New York City and Stephanie Warren of North Andover, MA as well as five grandchildren, Peter and Leah Warren and Thomas, James and Andrew Morrissey, all of whom she loved dearly.

NANCY KAY DVORNIK
July 28, 1951 – August 15, 2025
Sydney, Australia Resident

Nancy Dwornik, 74, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, in Sydney, Australia, with her two children by her side. Born on July 28, 1951, in Peru, Illinois, Nancy lived a life defined by adventure, generosity, and a deep love for her family.

Her love for travel began early, sparked by a childhood flight to South Carolina with her grandmother. That first journey ignited a lifelong passion for adventure. As a teenager, she spent a year in Chile as an exchange student which became an experience that deepened her love for language and culture. Nancy began her professional life as a Spanish teacher in Delavan, Wisconsin, but soon realized that couldn’t provide the adventure she craved. She packed up her car and drove solo to California, where she launched a career as a flight attendant.

Nancy’s career was defined by her time with Pan Am, a chapter she cherished deeply. Over the course of her 40+ years in the skies, she travelled the globe, collecting stories, lifelong friendships, and treasures from every corner of the world. She returned from each trip with mementos that reflected her thoughtfulness and flair: butter and aged cheese from Paris, copper milk jugs from Argentina, and countless other reminders of her journeys.

Her wanderlust became a legacy she lovingly passed on to her children, Edward (Jenna) and Elisabeth (Ryan). Flying standby meant their journeys were often spontaneous, filled with unexpected detours. From navigating the busy streets of Hong Kong to stumbling upon a beach full of stingrays in Florida, Nancy made sure each trip was filled with wonder and learning.

Nancy’s warmth extended far beyond her travels. She was the heart of every holiday gathering, where her table was always over flowing with food and open to one more. Whether baking pies from scratch or quilting intricate designs, she poured love into everything she created. Her home was filled with comfort, laughter, generosity and the door was always open.

Her greatest joy came from being “Grandma” to Harper, Leah, Clara, Eleanor, and Dylan, and she was overjoyed to know another grandchild was on their way. She is also survived by her brother Richard (Michaela), along with many other loving relatives and dear friends. Her spirit of curiosity, kindness, and wonder lives on in them, and in all who were lucky enough to know her.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In keeping with Nancy’s passion for international exchange, donations in her memory may be made to the AFS exchange student program (https://afs.org/donate/).

RENEE PHILIPS FELDER
June 23, 2025
Alamo, CA Resident

Renee Philips Felder passed away on Monday, June 23rd, after a 7-year battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), a rare and devastating disease. She was 82.

Renee was was based in HNL, along with her husband Vernon, who was the flight attendant scheduler at the base. When Pan Am sold the Pacific routes to United Airlines, Vern and Renee became United employees. When Vern was transferred to SFO, he was placed in charge of scheduling United F/As, and Renee followed him to the SFO base. In true Pan Am family tradition, Renee’s sister, Margo Philips Bourland, had previously joined Pan Am as a flight attendant at the Honolulu base.

While under treatment at the University of San Francisco medical school, Renee asked that her brain be donated to the medical school, in hopes that a cure might be found to save others.

Renee is survived by her husband, Vernon Felder, and her sister, Margo Bourland.

Sadly, we inform you of the passing of long-time Manhattan chapter member Christine Gefaell on January 7, 2025, in hospice care following a long illness. Christine is a former president of the Manhattan Chapter, having held that office in the late 1980’s.

Born of German parents living in what is now the Czech Republic, on Christine’s 8th birthday her family was expelled from that country because of their German citizenship. Returning to Germany, they lived in the Frankfurt area where Christine was raised. She was working as a nanny in Paris when she interviewed with and was accepted by Pan Am.   

Christine’s friends describe her as a renaissance woman with an interest in many things. She spoke four languages fluently and intently followed world events. She loved to swim and loved the beach and sunshine. She was also an avid gardener. Christine especially loved clothing and being well groomed. Wherever Christine made an entrance, she turned heads with her well-dressed, elegant manner. She was always impeccably turned out.

Following her employment with Pan Am, Christine worked in the travel industry, successfully owning her own tour company which conducted tours of New York City for visiting Germans.

As Christine’s illness progressed toward its end, she required hospice care and was attended there by her Pan Am roommate and advocate, Susan Anderson. Susan stayed with Christine in her final weeks, sleeping in a lounge chair in order to be available should Christine need help, a testament to how deep our Pan Am friendships run, even to this day.

Christine will be remembered fondly as a special person and wonderful friend.

Kristina Nylund Herrick, who joined Pan Am in 1965 during what was called the “Golden Age of Flying,” flew for seven years as stewardess and purser based in MIA, SFO, and NYC.

In later years, having a degree in music, Kristina created and hosted “In the Mode,” a public radio program focused on classical music. Her program explored new recordings, fascinating composers, and forgotten traditions of music from the medieval and Renaissance eras. She was named the station’s Classical Music Director. In retirement Kristina and her husband moved from Fresno, California to Corvallis, Oregon. She was active for many years in World Wings, most recently as a member of the PDX chapter. She passed away in early April from lung cancer, according to her husband Brian Borneman. She was 81.

At age 10, Kristina Nylund immigrated to the U.S. from Finland with her mother, where they met up with her father who had arrived earlier. They loaded up their belongings into his baby blue Ford and drove cross country to Palo Alto, California, where they planned to settle into the local Finnish community. After learning English by watching TV, finishing her education, and then working briefly in San Francisco surrounded by the hippy movement, Kristina found herself sitting in a Pan Am personnel office, thanks to one of her dad’s clients, a Pan Am captain.

On January 11, 1965, she started training in Miami. Not only did she fly around the world for the next seven years, but she met her future husband, Duane Herrick, on a layover at the crew hotel, The Piarco Guest House in Trinidad. Duane passed away in 2010.

She formed what were to become lifelong friendships with seven of the women who had flown with her from San Francisco to Panama to Miami. Kristina always treasured the connection to her 1-11-1965 training class that included past and present PDX and SEA members Gayle Larson, Esther Nelson, Susan Greb, Lynn Fox Fuller, Teresa Six Diekemper, and Susan Bailey Harris. In 1995, Kristina invited Esther to travel all over Finland with her to visit her extended family.

Diamantina Jannone (nee Ruiz) of Manhasset, NY sadly passed away on January 18, 2025. She was born on February 4, 1940 in Laredo, Texas to parents Aurelia and Encarnacion Ruiz. 

Diamantina was the wife of the late Joseph Jannone and loving mother to her three children Diamantina Jannone-Kim of Los Angeles, Justin Jannone of Manhasset, and Jordan Jannone of
Los Angeles, and grandmother to Harry Kim and Max Kim. Diamantina was the cherished sister of Eden, Samuel, Francisco, Joel, Loretta, Diana, and Geri. 

Diamantina was very elegant, popular and strong-willed. She was a majorette in high school. She spoke English, Spanish and Italian fluently.

Diamantina had a distinguished career beginning in 1960 with the United States Air Force (USAF) attaining the Rank of Airman First Class REGAF (Sergeant). Diamantina served as a flight traffic specialist with the Military Air Transport Service at McGuire Air Force Base, and routed air traffic when President Kennedy deployed thousands of troops to West Berlin in 1961. Diamantina also participated in the transportation of soldiers and cargo en route to the Republic of Vietnam. Diamantina was honored by Nassau County in 2016 as a “Woman Veteran Trailblazer.”

Following the Air Force, Diamantina then went on to have a very successful career as a flight attendant with Pan American Airways from 1964 to 1991, and then Delta Airlines until she retired in 2006. She always enjoyed going with the crew to Restaurant Casa Botin in Madrid and Baseler Eck in Frankfurt. She also took crew with her to visit the nuns at the Monastery of Corpus Christi las Carboneras in Madrid.

In December 1965, Diamantina married Joseph Jannone, who held the rank of Commander USMS. They met at a gathering in Kew Gardens, New York. Joseph was an aerospace engineer who had a PHD and worked on project RAM for NASA during the Apollo space program. The family moved to Pasadena in 1969 so he could be at the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing.  Commander Jannone also held two patents. 

Diamantina enjoyed collecting antiques and in 1971 opened JD SAXONY antiques in Rego Park, Queens New York. 

Diamantina enjoyed introducing her children to international travel and culture. She was also a devout Catholic. Diamantina believed in duty to her country, bravery and honor. 

On September 11, 2001, she was working as a Flight Attendant on a Delta Airlines B-767 from Madrid to New York John F. Kennedy Airport. Gander reported to the crew that U.S. authorities closed all North American Airspace. The plane was diverted back to Madrid. In all the chaos and news reports of hijacked planes we were very concerned. Fortunately, we were able to call the hotel in Madrid and find her safe. Following her return to New York, she flew a gigantic American Flag in her driveway in Manhasset. 

Diamantina is survived by family members, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Funeral Mass is Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. the Church of St. Mary, 1300 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY 11030. Internment is Noon at the Long Island National Cemetery,
2040 Wellwood Avenue, East Farmingdale, New York 11735. There is a visitor’s parking area adjacent to the administrative office at the cemetery. People who are attending should meet at the administrative office.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Loretta was the only child of the late Michele Puzziferro and the late Angiolina Caracciolo Puzziferro. She was raised in Cambria Heights, New York, where she graduated from Andrew Jackson High School.

Loretta had a fascination for airplanes and world travel. After high school, Loretta went to work for Pan Am at LaGuardia Airport, and then the international check-in counter at Idlewild (now JFK Airport). Later she became an international stewardess for Pan Am. At the time, stewardesses were not allowed to be married, and they had strict guidelines on height and weight.

She married Laurence Ward “Larry” Lucey in 1957; they would later divorce. After her children were of school age, she became a travel agent in Huntington NY. She moved to Loudoun County in 1972, where she became a volunteer at Loudoun Memorial Hospital. She married H. Wendell Kline in 1983.

Lorretta was active and still driving up until the day she died. She was a Ladies Board member at Loudoun Hospital, member of the Leesburg Garden Club, Rainbow Investment club, Leesburg Presbyterian church, Loudoun Golf & Country Club, and World Wings International (the philanthropic organization of former Pan Am flight attendants).

Loretta was predeceased by her husband, H. Wendell Kline, ex-husband, Laurence Ward Lucey, stepson, Wendell H. Kline, and her parents.

Loretta is survived by her daughter, Laurie Lucey (Dr. Flinton Callahan II) of Tunkhannock, PA, son, Laurence Michael “Bud” Lucey (Tami) of Bend, OR, stepdaughter, Emily Kline Neville (Bill) of Ocean City, MD, grandchildren, Dr. Claiborne Callahan, Sean Callahan, Patric Callahan, Garrett Neville, Conner Neville, Aidan Lucey, Isabella Lucey, and great grandson Crawford Moore.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Loretta’s honor to Lights of Love, https://ladiesboard.org/lights-of-love-donation/.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com

RON KRESL
October, 2025
Kew Gardens, NY Resident

With sadness, we share news of the passing of JFK-based Purser, Ron Kresl. Ron joined Pan Am in the late 1970s and continued flying with Delta after Pan Am ceased operations. Ron was still employed with Delta at the time of his passing.

Flying with Ron was always a pleasure. He was fun, he was kind and he was a hard worker. He was a professional who inspired others. Sympathies are extended to all of Ron’s friends. He’s one of those people everyone will miss.

Rest in peace, Ron. Fly high.

Jean McCormick passed away on January 21, 2025, one month short of her 97th birthday.

Jean was the last surviving founding member of the Long Island Chapter, which is officially recognized as the first chapter of World Wings International. The Long Island Chapter first met on March 20, 1957, and the organization was incorporated in 1959. She remained active for many years, including serving as President, until moving to New Canaan to be close to her daughter.

Jean loved to travel and attended nearly all of the World Wings International conventions. For many years Jean and her husband John hosted Long Island Chapter meetings at their home in West Hampton Beach each summer, as well as at their house in Great Neck during the winter. Several members even slept over after the Christmas parties were snowed in.

Wonderful memories of Jean’s kindness and generosity will will live on, and she will be dearly missed by the Long Island Chapter members and all of the other World Wings members she touched over the years.

In lieu of flowers the family requested donations to:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105

The life of Suzanne Perkins was nothing short of extraordinary. A true force of nature, She lived a life of adventure, elegance, and unwavering excellence.

From flying the skies with Pan Am to the rolling hills of Montecito, Suzanne built a legacy as one of California’s most respected luxury real estate icons—representing over $2 billion in sales and earning the trust of clients around the world. She was also a devoted public servant, a passionate horsewoman, and a mentor to so many who were lucky enough to work alongside her.

Suzanne wasn’t just one of Montecito’s most accomplished real estate professionals — she was the gold standard. A visionary, a trailblazer, and a beloved member of our community, Suzanne’s impact on Montecito, Santa Barbara, and beyond cannot be overstated. She redefined what it meant to be a top agent — rising to #1 worldwide for Sotheby’s International Realty and topping national charts as the #1 REALTOR® in the United States. She brokered historic deals, including California’s largest non-commercial transaction of the landmark sale of El Cojo and Jalama Ranches in 2007. She was consistently ranked among the Top 50 agents nationwide by The Wall Street Journal.

But Suzanne’s brilliance wasn’t limited to real estate. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, she brought her elegance and courage to the skies with Pan Am during the golden age of jet travel. She even courageously volunteered for special assignment with the Department of Defense to serve on selected crews to fly monthly R&R and evacuation flights in and out of Saigon, Da Nang, and Cam Ranh Bay during the Vietnam War. That same grace under pressure became her hallmark in every negotiation, every deal, and every relationship.

She found her forever home in Santa Barbara, where she not only sold its most beautiful estates but also helped protect and preserve its trails, parks, and open spaces for decades. She served as Commissioner and later Chair of the County Parks Commission, was appointed by two governors to the 19th Agricultural District Board of Directors, and was a past president of the Montecito Trails Foundation with vision and passion. A third-generation horsewoman, she also judged and bred national champion show horses, offering her clients unmatched insight into equestrian properties.

Suzanne was not only a titan of industry but also a woman of profound wisdom, cheeky humor, elegance, and heart. She mentored generously, listened intently, and led with quiet strength. Whether across a boardroom table or a riding trail, she inspired confidence and profound loyalty. Her legacy lives on in every family she helped find a home, every hillside she helped protect, and every every friend and colleague who carries her love and life lessons forward. A woman of the highest standards, she made brave choices and showed others what’s possible with poise, passion, and purpose.

“It is what it is.” ~Suzanne

In her memory, please consider a donation to one of her favorite local organizations:
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Montecito Trails Foundation
Earl Warren Showgrounds Foundation
SB Equine & Evac Team

MARY LOU SCHNITZER
November 19, 1943 – August 3, 2025
Los Angeles Chapter

Mother, Grandmother, Friend.

Memorial Service at Westchester Lutheran Church

VIRGINIA TANAKATSUBO
September 17, 2025
San Mateo, CA Resident

Virginia Tanakatsubo passed away the morning of September 17 after a brief — and unexpected — illness.

Virginia lived an incredible life. She flew in the absolute golden age of air travel, going to places like Iran, Venezuela, and Vietnam, and with each trip on Pan Am, she took a little bit of those countries and cultures with her. She had a wide open view of the world and loved meeting new people, seeing new places, and especially trying new foods. From accidentally ordering menudo in Mexico City (she thought “menudo” was Spanish for “menu!”), to oysters in Hiroshima, to latkes with applesauce in Frankfurt, each meal brought her closer to the local customs and helped her make new friends.

She dedicated herself to a life of learning, both in the classroom and in the world. And she loved helping her friends — new and old — as well as her community. In her retirement, she continued her commitment to volunteering and to the San Mateo Japanese American Community Center. When I would visit, I’d often drive to pick up her friends for their Thursday Tomodachi potlucks and loved hearing them chitchat in Japanese — it’s part of what kept her so sharp for so long.

Family was very important to Virginia and she was everyone’s favorite auntie. There are so many great memories shared by the family — watching her put on her makeup, her driving and putting a dent in an uncle’s car, to — a favorite — sharing her cigarette with the two oldest cousins, who blew into the cigarette instead of inhaling! (It was the 60s!)

And she was a great mom. She instilled in her family her love of travel and food, and taught them strength and resilience. From her, they learned that while life was not always what you want, you can always make something good out of it. Preparing for her move to Hawaii brought her closer to her daughter, who will always be grateful for that time together. She loved her granddaughter Ryan (Yumi) and her adopted grandchildren, Kenzo and Aya and was a grandmother they will always cherish and remember.

While this note brings sad news, the last thing she would have wanted is for you to be sad, so I ask that you remember the joy and laughter she shared with each of you. In Okinawa, there’s a saying, “ichariba chode,” which translates to “once we meet, we are family.” Thank you for being being a part of her life.

Cees started his career with Pan Am in the mid-1960s in New York.  In his late teens and early twenties, Cees had trained to be licensed to run a cafe and hotel in Holland.  He had also worked in the Pierre Hotel in New York, where he gained more experience in hospitality. PanAm had a program for people with hospitality backgrounds to become in-flight supervisors to ensure service levels were good and Cees held that position in New York until 1981.

In the mid-1970s, Pan Am “loaned” Cees to Royal Jordanian Airlines to help them develop their catering service, design new uniforms, and generally bring their service levels up to a high standard.  Cees worked in Amman, Jordan for about 4 years and returned to New York in 1979. Then, in 1981, he was transferred to the San Francisco base and continued his role as a supervisor.  Cees was never a Flight Attendant.  We don’t know how he attained membership in World Wings but he ended up being one of the most steadfast members and even became a board member and held the position of treasurer.

Cees passed away on September 3, 2025 at the age of 94.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Constantine George “Dino” Vlahakis, 90, Monday, January 27. 2025. A devoted father, grandfather and friend, Dino lived a life full of passion, adventure and an appreciation for the world he traveled.

Dino was born in Lowell, MA on September 23, 1934, the youngest of three children born to George and Helen (Aggelakos) Vlahakis. He attended Lowell schools and graduated from Lowell High School in 1952. After graduating from Wentworth Institute in Boston, MA, he continued as an assistant instructor and lab assistant in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering department. He was later employed as an aviation maintenance tech for Four Star Aviation at Tew Mac airport in Tewksbury, MA and earned his FAA private pilot’s license there as well. After successfully passing the qualifying tests at Naval Air Station, South Weymouth, MA, he reported to Pensacola, FL for Naval Aviator flight training. He received his commission and gold wings upon completion of advance training at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas.

His fleet assignment was Patrol Squadron Two (VP-2) based at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Islands, Washington with deployments to Kodiak, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, flying the Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune patrol bomber. Upon completion of his active duty tour, he returned to the Northeast and flew as a corporate pilot for Eastern Gas and Fuel in Boston and flew in the Naval Reserve unit at South Weymouth, MA. He later flew for Mohawk Airlines based in New York. In 1964, he was hired by Pan American Airways, based at JFK Internation Airport for over 27 years as a flight engineer, copilot and subsequently as a captain on the Boeing 707, Lockheed L1011 and Boeing 747.

His love for flying was not just his profession but his way of life. Whether soaring through the skies or offering rides in his beloved 1941 Stearman biplane, he found joy in sharing the freedom of flight with others. The hum of the engine and the open skies were where he felt most at home, and he delighted in giving others the chance to experience that same wonder.

Dino had an incredible eye for photography, never seen without his camera in hand. He never missed Kate’s basketball games after retiring. Always there for support, encouragement and photos. His passion ensured that no moment went unnoticed and no memory went uncaptured. His love for cars, particularly his 1972 Mustang Convertible, attending car shows over New England, with trophies in hand.

He was an active member of his church, St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox, American Legion Post # 22 and committed to his community.

Dino will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and adventurous spirit. His legacy lives on in the countless photographs, the flights he shared, the cars he loved and the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Vlahakis and grandson, Luca Vlahakis, nephew Thomas Belkakis (Donna), nephew-in-law Richard Guillemette and daughter Natalie (Jordan) Denyse. Dylan (Kayla, Eliza, Alex and Matthew) Kane who was like a son.

A viewing will be held at Ricker Funeral Home, Lebanon, NH on Thursday, February 6, from 4-7 pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 7, at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Newport, NH at 10 am with interment following at 12 pm at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 45 Winter Street, Newport, NH 03773 or the American Legion Guyer-Carignan Post #22, 189 Mechanic Street, Lebanon, NH 03766. An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Dino’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com

Blue skies and tailwinds, Dino – your journey continues beyond the horizon.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Diana Rivera Wiggins, on February 23, 2025. Born September 5th, 1946 to Thomas and Grace Rivera, Diana lived life as a globetrotter, a wonderful chef, a devoted wife, and a proud mother and Abuela.

Diana was known and respected for her strong will, determination, and love and support for her family and the World Wings community. She was a Renaissance woman, gaining a law degree after her Pan Am career ended, and after the birth of her daughter, founding International Children’s Foundation (ICF), a non profit adoption agency. Diana’s legal career in probate and guardianship and ICF’s work were the strongest reflections of her core values; providing unwavering advocacy for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

After the death of her first husband, Bob, Diana was fortunate to find love again, and for the last few decades she and her husband Norman split their time between Miami and Idaho. When they weren’t home, the pair loved to take cruises. Diana is survived by Norman, her daughter Meredith, and her grandchildren, Ophelia and Atticus.

At Diana’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to World Wings International, the philanthropic organization of former Pan Am flight attendants. Donate to World Wings International

DIANE WILKINSON
November 14, 1946 – November 3, 2025
Atlanta Chapter

Diane Daniel Wilkinson, age 78, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025 after a brief struggle with cancer. Mrs. Wilkinson, the former Diane Alice Daniel and “Sissy” to her family, was the daughter of William Gray Daniel and Marian Morris Daniel. She was born on November 14, 1946, and except for brief stints in New York and Frankfurt, Germany, was a life-long resident of Atlanta. She attended Morris Brandon Elementary School and graduated from The Lovett School in 1964. Her Lovett classmates, several of whom were lifelong friends, were especially dear to her. She attended Emory University where she was an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

After graduating from Emory, Diane moved to New York and was one of Pan Am’s famously glamorous air stewardesses. And thus began a lifetime of adventure. In James Richard “Dick” Wilkinson, Jr, who she met while he was attending Emory University Law School, she found her love and lifelong travel companion. They married in 1969 and immediately moved to Frankfurt, Germany, where Dick was assigned to the US Army Judge Advocate General. They saw that as an opportunity to travel throughout Western Europe, exploring the customs, cultures, and cuisines of each country. This chapter of her life ignited Diane’s loves of travel and cooking, passions which she pursued for the rest of her life.

After returning to Atlanta, Diane taught briefly in the Atlanta Public Schools, but her love of French cuisine drew her back to Paris where she used her savings to take a course at Le Cordon Bleu. After returning to Atlanta, she began a new chapter in her life teaching French cooking. Her first courses were French Cuisine I and French Cuisine II which she taught in the small kitchen of their first home. The classes were a big success, and she continued teaching cooking in one way or another for the rest of her life.

Meanwhile, Diane and Dick continued traveling throughout Western Europe. Friends enjoyed hearing about their travels and wanted to share in their adventures. Prompted by these friends, Diane began planning small group trips to Europe. Meticulously planned, these trips included stays at well-known hotels, meals at fine restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and wine tours. Thus began the next chapter in Diane’s professional life as a travel agent.

Diane planned trips for couples, for family groups, and for larger groups with a special common interest, such as to the Canyon Ranch wellness resort in Arizona. She especially enjoyed planning trips to unique places because she felt that those experiences best expanded a traveler’s world. It meant so much to her that she was able to turn her own passions for food, travel, and adventure into a career of helping others do things that brought them joy and expanded their horizons.

Diane and Dick expanded their personal travels from Europe to countries around the globe. From Madagascar to Burma, Rwanda to Tibet, Iraq to New Zealand, they traveled to countries too numerous to list on every continent, including Antarctica. Diane simply could not stand the thought that she might miss seeing, doing, experiencing, or learning something interesting; or miss the opportunity to come home and tell friends and family about all she had seen. Her greatest fear in life was to be bored or boring and she was certainly never either of those things.

Diane made friends everywhere she went and was a loyal, thoughtful, and attentive friend. A highlight of each trip she took was finding unique gifts for family and friends. Her generosity never failed to surprise and delight. She was generous not just with gifts, but with her time and spirit. There was nothing she would not do for the people she loved. She and Dick also enjoyed connecting people, often by hosting beautiful dinner parties at their home.

As part of her insatiable curiosity and openness, Diane had many hobbies and interests. She took up oil painting as an adult to spend time with her mother, a prolific artist and painting teacher, and enjoyed giving her works to friends and family. She was a founding member of the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier and a decades-long member of The Optimists stock club. She also attended yoga classes and for many years the Wilkinsons hosted a weekly yoga class in their home. And in recent years she had joined a book club and become an avid reader. She was always eager to try something new and learn something new.

Diane was a lifelong Presbyterian, and a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta for most of her life. She had a strong belief in the teachings of her church, and her daily life reflected her faith. She loved all kinds of music, from the celebrated music program at Trinity led by Norman Mackenzie to Andrea Bocelli to Willy Nelson and Bob Dylan (the last concert she attended).

Diane’s sparkle, vivaciousness and genuine interest in everyone she met, her fearless sense of adventure, her deep love of family and friends, and her generosity made her a unique and unforgettable friend and family member. Forever young at heart, she was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and her happy optimistic outlook brightened all of our lives. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, William Gray Daniel and Marian Morris Daniel. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Richard “Dick” Wilkinson, Jr.; her brother, William Gray (Billy) Daniel, Jr., his wife Meredith Smith Daniel, their daughter, Christiana Daniel Hughes, her husband, Peter Wetherington Hughes, and their daughter, Celia Lee Hughes; her sister, Julie Daniel Hope, her husband, William Hanna “Bill” Hope II, and their children, Hanna Ellen Hope and Daniel Preston Hope; her brother-in-law, Thomas Perry Wilkinson; and her niece, Kathleen “Kitty” Wilkinson Ragals, her husband, David Charles Ragals; and their children, Benjamin “Ben”Holland Ragals and Lily Frances Ragals.

A memorial service for Diane will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta on Tuesday, November 18, at 2:00 PM. Gifts in her memory may be directed to Trinity Presbyterian Church.

JOAN WOOD
january 23, 1940 – November 11, 2025
Boston Chapter

Joan Amerena Wood, 85, a beloved resident of Londonderry for more than 35 years, passed away at her home on November 11, 2025. She was born on January 23, 1940, in Rockland, MA, to the late John P. and Frances B. (Boyle) Amerena.

Joan spent many years working for Pan Am Airlines, a career that allowed her to explore the world and deepen her appreciation for the cultures she encountered. A proud Italian-American, she especially treasured her trips back to Italy; returning to the traditions, landscapes, and food that reminded her of her family roots. She enjoyed seeking out authentic meals and sharing stories about the dishes and places she loved most.

At home, Joan was known for her deep affection for animals, especially the many cats she cared for throughout her life. She also treasured time spent with her family, finding great joy in their celebrations, and everyday moments together.

Joan is survived by her son, Richard Wood, and his wife Denise, of Londonderry, NH; her grandchildren Lielle, Kaylee, Emma, and Greyson; and her great-grandchildren Logan and Cassidee. She will be remembered with love by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to Calling Hours on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 5–7 PM, followed by a Reception from 7–9 PM, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of her favorite charities St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.