KIWIS "FLOWN WEST"
Please notify 2nd VP, Kathy Schmidt Kuzminski and your Webmaster Jill Richey Rohan if you know of any Kiwis who have Flown West.
Our Recent Kiwi Losses
Beverly J. Barbarito, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024. She was 84 years old. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio,
Beverly moved to New York City to become a stewardess, and there met her husband, Frank. She and Frank have shared a legendary love story for the 61 years of their marriage, 57 years of which were spent in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Her family is her legacy, and her favorite activity was doting on her grandchildren, but she loved walking, baking, and reading, She was proud to be a member of the PHL chapter of The Kiwi Club (retired American Airlines stewardesses). Click here to read her obituary.
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​Elaine Ethel Mesigh, a recent resident of Norman, OK, passed away September 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born May 26, 1928, in Allentown, PA, to Florence (Roth) and Charles R. Ehrich and graduated from William Allen High School in 1946. After graduation, Elaine’s path took her on many journeys. She was a dancer in various traveling groups and highlighted her career dancing with the NYC Rockettes.
Her course changed when she and her sister Betty joined American Airlines and flew as stewardesses. By the early 50s, she was in Tulsa and had married Herbert J. Mesigh. Elaine’s journey took her to OKC where Herb was establishing a new business. She chose to work in the government and private sectors. She enjoyed her involvement with new ideas, helping others, and making a better life in the community.
Herb and Elaine were charter members of Our Lord’s Lutheran Church in OKC.
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Karen Bloomquist Bremer was 97 when she died on August 17, 2024 after a fall. Karen was born in Jamptland, Sweden. This lady with the ever smiling face graduated in the class of 50-3, and flew for one year. Karen shared her most interesting experience while flying: "On a flight from London to New York both engines were lost (one on each side of the plane). We were flying beyond the point of no return, so the captain dropped altitude and got rid of extra fuel. Looking out the window you could see the swells in the ocean. After a safe landing I kissed the ground." This occurred before the jet age!
American Overseas Airline (AOA) needed linguists and since she spoke Swedish, Karen was transferred to AOA and was based in NY. Pan American bought AOA and she was hired. Karen was based in NY, and also London. She often flew the London - Hong Kong route. After retiring from AA, Karen married and moved to Atlanta where she worked as secretary for several local companies. Karen has a daughter, son, six adult grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
​Kathleen "Kay" M. Fasano, 83, a resident of Palatine for 50 years passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. During an era when young women were expected to marry after high school Kay was determined to see the world. She set her sights on a career as a flight attendant and began working for Mohawk airlines in 1959.
Her career would change her life in more ways than one. On a routine flight from New York to Chicago, she met Victor Fasano, a business traveler from Chicago who would become the love of her life. Their serendipitous meeting in the skies led to a beautiful marriage of 39 years and three beautiful daughters.Kay’s airline career spanned over 53 years and she retired from American Airlines in 2012. Kay traveled the globe and built lifelong friendships. Click here for full obituary
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(Peggy) Jean Atherton, 96, died on September 18, 2024, in Trumbull, CT. She was one of the founding members of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Kiwi Club (Naples). Jean was as beautiful on the inside as outside. Such a wonderful woman…she will be missed by many.
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Jean grew up in Beverly Hills and Hermosa Beach, California, studied theater at UCLA and was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. Jean was a natural leader, serving as president of her high school Girls’ League, president of CT alumni chapter of Alpha Phi, VP of the American Women’s League in Sydney, Australia, VP of the Newcomers Club in New Canaan and a founding member of the Kiwi Club in Naples, FL.
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After graduation in 1949, she joined the pioneering young women in the early days of commercial aviation as an American Airlines stewardess based out of Chicago. She left behind her beloved airline career once married and began her happiest years raising three children, beginning in southern California, then predominately in New Canaan, CT where they moved in 1959 and lived until Stan’s retirement from IBM in 1987. The family also spent two years living in Sydney, Australia in the early sixties, which was a highlight of Jean’s abundant life. A loving, faithful and creative mother, she devoted care to her family until the day she died. Click here to read Peggy's full obituary.
Recent Death Notices
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Rosemary Prigmore Arrington - April 3, 2024 - MAL​​
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Nancy Davis McKeever
Mary Alice Stringfellow Wright (August 26, 2024) was born on March 18, 1935, the ninth of 14 children in Wetumka, Oklahoma to WJ and Ollie Stringfellow.
Mary Alice graduated from Wetumka High School in 1953 and moved to Tulsa to work at Hotel Tulsa, then became a teller at First National Bank where she met her future husband, Patrick Nolan Wright. She then became a flight attendant at American Airlines, before marrying Nolan in Wetumka on January 18th, 1957. Mary Alice and Nolan had two children, Patrick Nolan Wright, Jr. and Lisa Kay Wright Coronado.
After raising her children, she returned to banking and then worked in the marketing department for American Airlines for the next 20 years. In 1972, while still working for American Airlines, she and Nolan bought the Virginia Lee Apartments, providing affordable housing for individuals in east Tulsa to this day.
Mary Alice will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Her smile charmed the room, her laughter brought comfort. She loved her family with strength and compassion.
Mary Alice lived an adventurous life traveling the world with American Airlines and her loved ones.
Velma Guy Tolbert, (2/18/1931 - 8/23/2024) was a bright, independent and spirited woman, who grew up in the small town of Kinnear's Mills, Quebec, Canada.
As a young woman, her world would dramatically change after she was recruited by American Airlines in 1954. Based in New York City and Los Angeles, Velma was the first stewardess at American who was not a nurse. Eventually, Velma was promoted to Supervisor of Stewardesses (now known as flight attendants). Her job included interpreting union contracts, orienting and training flight attendants and serving as their first-line manager. For the remainder of her life, Velma enjoyed her association with the KIWIs, a group of former American Airlines' flight attendants.
In 1966, Velma was hired by the New York Stock Exchange, where she became Supervisor of the Wage, Salary and Benefits Division. This rank was an extraordinary feat for a female at that time (and especially considering that the New York Stock Exchange had 3,500 employees).
Velma was a long time member of the Houston Chapter. To read Velma's full obituary click here
Margaret Mae Huett Dillman, May 31, 2024, peacefully passed away. Margaret was born on January 22, 1934 in Birdtown, Arkansas. Her desire to attend college brought her to Arkansas Polytechnic in Russellville. In 1955, Margaret was selected to be a "stewardess" by American Airlines and was soon promoted to the position of Instructor at the American Airlines "Stewardess School'' in Ft. Worth, Texas. There, she made lifelong friends and was part of the team that designed the galley for the new Boeing 707. Margaret stayed very active in the Kiwi Club, a unique philanthropic social group made up of former Stewardesses/Flight Attendants.
To read the full obituary click here.
Margot Crutchfield Reis - National President 1978-1980
Past National President, Margot Crutchfield Ries passed August 13, 2024 in Tulsa. Margot was a member of Class 58-13. She joined The Kiwi Club in 1960 as a member of the SFO Peninsula Chapter. After moving to southern California she was a member of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter and later a member of the Phoenix chapter where she served as chapter president.
Margot was elected to the national board as 2nd Vice President 1976-78 and served as national President 1978-80, receiving her Life Membership in 1988. In 2010, she re-located to Tulsa to assist her sister, Tulsa Kiwi Barbara Crutchfield Higgins (class 53-6). Margot served as TUL chapter president until it disbanded in 2022. A memorial service is being planned in Tulsa for September 29. She is survived by her nieces, Laura Cope and Mallory Boltinhouse.
Condolences may be sent to.
Laura Cope
10013 South 94th East Ave
Tulsa, OK 74133
Dorothy Ruth Steward Butts - It is unfortunate to announce the passing of one of our former Dallas Kiwis on July 25, 2024.
Dorothy was in Class 53-4 and was an American Airlines Stewardess until 1958 when she married her
husband Henry Butts Jr. She then became an active member of the Dallas Kiwi group for approximately 60 years.
You may send condolences to her family on dignitymemorial.com . There is also a full obituary there.
Gloria West Saucier has Flown West (June 12, 2024) at the age of 100. She was a treasured member of the Las Vegas Kiwi Club for many years. It was a treat to see her arrive at Kiwi events in her Mini Cooper, impeccably dressed and beautifully groomed with an amazing zest for life.
Gloria remained active in the community well into her late nineties and received many accolades and awards. She had her pilot's license before her driver's license. She served her country in the U.S. Marine Corp. and was selected in her 90's to fly to Washington D.C. as a member of the "Honor Flight". She threw the First Pitch at the Las Vegas Aviator game when she was ninety five. At ninety seven she flew in an open cockpit Stearman biplane over Nevada. One of her most beloved jobs was that of a TWA Stewardess when Howard Hughes was a regular. The DC3 was her favorite plane. The Las Vegas Kiwi Club is richer for having had her as a member.
To read more about Gloria's fasinating life click here. Gloria West Saucier Obituary
Pilar Hornbuckle Hale - On June 20, 2024, Pilar Hale, 89, of Torrance, CA passed away peacefully after a diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumor. Pilar was born Edine Elizabeth Hornbuckle on August 28, 1934, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Jane and Edward Hornbuckle. She graduated from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, where she was fondly known as Deanie Hornbuckle.
After graduating high school, Pilar attended Vanderbilt University for two years. In 1955, she embarked
on a career as a stewardess with American Airlines, during which time she was known as Dee
Hornbuckle.... Please click here for more photos and Pilar's complete obituary.
The South Bay chapter has reported the death of one of their members.
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Vel Lynne Morgan - Class 1953 - June 12, 2024
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More information will be posted as we receive it. If you have any information please contact: thekiwiclubwebmaster@gmail.com
Sandy Gilman Wilner, Past National President of The Kiwi Club and former American Airlines stewardess passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was 88. Sandy was a passionate advocate of The Kiwi Club and founded the Kiwi Sales Program in the ‘70’s to give former stewardesses and flight attendants, who had to retire from flying too soon, an opportunity to work in the industry they loved so much. Sandy’s love for The Kiwi Club was evident and she treasured the lifelong friendships she made there.
During Sandy’s National Presidency she became pregnant with her only child, Victoria. In 2017, Sandy moved from Southern California to live with Victoria and her family in New Jersey. While not thrilled with the colder climate of New Jersey she loved living with her daughter, son-in-law and only grandchild, Margarete. She loved being a grandmother and was so proud to see her granddaughter perform in high school plays and was even recently interviewed by Margarete about her being a stewardess and Kiwi! To see Sandy’s interview… Sandy's Interview (strengthleaders.com)
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A Memorial Service is planned for later this summer. The service will be streamed live for anyone who wishes to attend. More information and the link to be posted later. To send condolences and share your memories please reach out to her daughter:
Victoria Calkins
17 Trouville Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Margaret (Peggy) Mary Turley, age 85, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024.
She was in class 1969-4. Peggy belonged to the Raleigh Durham chapter and then was a MAL until 2022.
Contributions in Peggy's memory may be made to St. Jude's Hospital, www.stjude.org.
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OUR DEAR MEMBER ANNE BURNS HAS FLOWN WEST TO BE WITH HER KIWIS.
She passed away on May 14, 2024.
She was a former Stewardess and a Dallas Chapter President of our Kiwi Club for 2 terms.
Anne was hired by American Airlines while living in Canada, she had never been to
the United States until she was hired by American Airlines in 1960. She was in class 60-9.
A memorial service was held on June 8th at the T. Boone Pickens Presbyterian
Faith Hospice Chapel. A view of tributes from American Airlines and AAL
Wings Foundation was shown from over the years of Anne's involvement.
Condolences can be sent to her family at her daughter's address:
CRISTI RUSH
13501 WEST FM 428
CELINA, TEXAS, 75009
Kiwis, it is with such sadness that I pass along the message that our dear Kathy Roberts passed away on April 27, 2024. Her daughter, Lisa, relayed that her passing was very peaceful. As you know, Kathy had been very much under the weather since her bout with pneumonia and the fall that she took after returning home from the hospital not long ago. I spoke with her around mid April and she told me that she was “just very, very tired”. She entered Torrance Memorial Hospital yesterday and passed away in the early hours of April 27 (today).
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Kathy was known ‘far and wide’ in the ‘Kiwi World’ for her terrific skit work at Conventions, her wonderful acting ability, quick wit and love for The Kiwi Club. We will miss her very much and we pray that she’s resting now, in peace. She was 96!
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Betty Posey O’Neill passed away from cancer on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. She was born in Newark, Ohio on April 9, 1940.
A graduate of Newark High School, Betty worked as a flight attendant with American Airlines and was also employed with the Newark Advocate and Rockwell. For over 35 years Betty was also the owner and operator of O’Neill Hair Designers and was a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics, both giving her the opportunity to make many lasting friendships for which she was grateful.
She enjoyed traveling and was a member of the Columbus Kiwi’s, a group of former American Airlines employees that embarked on many worldly adventures. To read more about Betty click here.
Nancy Emma Tennis - May 24, 1939 - March 22, 2024 Nancy was a member of the ORD Chapter and had a long career with American. She was based in ORD/IOR. Nancy's obituary will be placed here when we receive it.
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Suzanne Lorimer Parsons It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Suzanne Lorimer Parsons, a beloved member of the San Diego Kiwi community. Suzanne peacefully departed this world on January 13, 2024, at the age of 100.
Sue was a proud graduate of AA Class 1946/01. Her legacy within the Kiwi community was marked by her exceptional contributions. Her dedication to the San Diego Kiwi Club was unwavering throughout her life. Sue served as a charter member of the San Diego Chapter, held the position of President in Tulsa in 1950, and chaired the San Kiwi Convention in 1982. Her leadership extended to her six-year tenure as President of SAN, where she made a lasting impact. Sue also shared her talents as the Editor of Kiwi Communique newsletter from 1998 to 2004 and as National Secretary from 2004 to 2006.
Sue's devotion to The Kiwi Club was evident in her consistent attendance at conventions until her health limited her mobility. Her passion for the club was a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
During this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. To send your condolences and share your memories, please reach out to her daughter:
Jenny Parsons
625 Rosecrans St.
San Diego, CA 92106
Nancy Redford Baumberger Our dear friend and lifelong fellow Kiwi died peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Day 2023. She earned her wings in 1952 and was based in Dallas/Ft. Worth and Los Angeles.
Some of Nancy’s most interesting experiences happened while flying the "Vomit Comet," transporting movie stars such as Hedy Lamar, Vic Damone, Jane Wyatt, and Pat O'Brien.
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When Nancy decided to end her career with AA, she was dating a pilot at the time, and he decided to have a funeral service for her final day with American. He met her last flight with an entourage of flight crew members. The entire group went, in formation, to the end of the runway and held a funeral service for Nancy's wings.
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After retiring from American she became a newspaper representative for the firm Landon Association Of NY. Nancy also demonstrated cooking at Apron's Kiosk for Publix. If you have ever sampled Nancy's cuisine, then you know it is the perfect job for her.
As an ATL Kiwi Nancy served as President, Vice-President, Secretary, and served on the Sunshine committee.
To read Nancy's full obituary please click here.
Jeanne Marie (Logan) Summers, 102, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Jeanne was born February 26, 1921 in Beatrice, Nebraska. She loved to reminisce about Beatrice and was always happy to tell stories about her hometown memories to everyone she met. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1938 and went on to graduate from Doane College in 1942.
After moving to Fort Worth, Texas, Jeanne worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. After having her three children she furthered her education at Texas Women's University with a master's degree in library science leading to a 20-year career in the library system. Jeanne had a lifelong passion for the arts and volunteered as a docent for the Amon Carter Museum.
She was an active member in the Women's Club, Fort Worth Kiwi Club, Fort Worth District Dental Society, and had a lively Monday Book Club. Jeanne was also known for her love of animals and her backyard garden. To read her complete obituary click here.
Diana Christine Schlesinger was born in Los Angeles, CA on August 8, 1945, to Paul and Lois Vaughan. She passed away on December 5, 2023, after a diagnosis of inoperable brain cancer.
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Diana's early years were spent in Santa Monica, CA. In 1953 the family moved into a new home in Sherman Oaks, CA, located in the rapidly growing San Fernando Valley. Diana was part of the first graduating class from Robert A. Millikan Junior High School and then attended Our Lady of Corvallis High School. During her college years at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), Diana developed her lifelong love of reading, travel and adventure, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English, despite skipping classes to spend afternoons at Avila and Pismo Beaches.
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Diana became a stewardess for American Airlines and flew from 1968 to 1969, later serving for 24 years as president of the Ocean City/Long Beach chapter of The Kiwi Club. To read Diana's complete obituary click here.
Karen Winston Heston - October 21, 1945 - November 18, 2023 Karen was a member of the SWFL Chapter. She began her flying career with TWA in 1965. To see photos of Karen's life click here.
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Virginia “Ginny” Day McKillop
Past National President 2010-2012
National Treasurer 2006-2008 and 2008-2010
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A Tribute to Ginny McKillop by Jane McDonald Jamison:
"Ginny was a beloved Kiwi straight out of the Boston area, never without a smile and a kind word. She joined The Kiwi Club while living in Davie, Florida. Ginny called the AA Sales Office in Miami to find out if there was a Kiwi chapter locally and they referred her to me. I called her and invited her to come to our chapter’s meeting, the Southeast Florida Chapter, coincidentally the next night, but told her she should come up to my house and go with me to the meeting in Light House Point. She did.
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The chapter was holding elections and we were looking for volunteers. We had just resurrected the old chapter and were starting over. The person in charge asked for volunteers; I looked at Ginny and asked if she was going to join TKC and our chapter to which she replied “yes.” I said, “Good! You’re our new secretary/treasurer.” That was the beginning of a long and treasured friendship.
To read the rest of this wonderful tribute click here...
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Barbara Florence “Babbs” (Schulte) Skinner passed away September 24, 2023. Babbs was the quintessential 60’s California girl through and through. Born in Los Angeles she spent the majority of her 1st 3 decades as an animated, ambitious, & gregarious surfer girl. Upon graduating from L.A.’s University High School, Babsie left the West Coast for the high altitude of Denver, where she attended Colorado Women’s College.
Upon returning to Southern California, Babbs pursued a vocation that would combine her two favorite pastimes, conversing with people & travel. She embarked on a high flying career as a Stewardess for American Airlines, where she was able to use her charm & graciousness to personify American Airlines long-standing slogan: “Something Special in the Air.
Barbara Jo Felton
Barbara Jo Felton died peacefully in her sleep at age 77 on Sept. 19, 2023, following a second battle with cancer. The eldest child of Clayton and Ruth Havemann, Barb was a 1964 graduate of Muscatine High School. She was an active member of the Muskie alumni network for the rest of her life and counted numerous classmates among her closest friends. Barb married Douglas Felton, a fellow Iowa native, in May 1979. Together, they built a beautiful life over the next 44 years, splitting time between Illinois and Florida residences in retirement.
Barb worked as a flight attendant for 42 years, traveling the world many times over. Barbara graduated from the American Airlines Flight Attendant Academy in July of 1967.She was a long-time member of Baker Memorial Church in St. Charles and volunteered with the Salvation Army during the Christmas season and at Florida pregnancy centers supporting single mothers. But, by far, her most important contributions were to her family as wife and mother. She will be missed beyond words, and the world is a significantly dimmer place without her in it.
Anne McKinney Huston, Class 1961-5, was adopted and raised on an Indiana farm with a brother and parents she adored. After graduating from college, Anne followed her dream and became a flight attendant with American Airlines, based in Boston. After several years of flying, Anne met and married Jack Huston and subsequently had a son, Glenn, and daughter, Jill.
Anne joined The Kiwi Club and spent several years as an active member and president of the Boston Chapter. Anne also belonged the the Orange County/Long Beach and Southeast Florida chapters. She died May 2023. To read more about Anne's life click here.
Gerry Harrison Fix 11/02/1944 - 09/03/2023
Gerry began her career at AA with class 68-19. After 42 years of dedicated service Gerry retired in 2010. Gerry belonged to the DFW Mid-cities chapter. During her career Gerry was based in ORD, SAN and DFW. You will be greatly missed. SOAR HIGH!
Cards may be sent to Gerry’s sister at:
Nancy Trautman
1589 Miccosukee Loop
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Joan Hauber O’Toole of Newport Beach CA, passed away on October 14th, 2023 at the age of 86. Joan was born November 24, 1936 in Clinton, Iowa. A 1955 graduate of Visitation High School in Dubuque, IA, Joan became a flight attendant for American Airlines in 1956. Thus, began a lifelong career and love of the airlines, travel and adventure.
Ruth Paul Gibson passed away on August 31, 2023.
She graduated from the stewardess school for American Airlines in the 1950’s. She was based in Chicago, New York, Dallas, and subsequently Nashville, where she was Chief Stewardess. She was an active Kiwi member in Dallas for many years. This lovely lady will be missed by all of us. Her obituary is in the Dallas Morning News obituary click here to read the obituary.
Jane Meyer Reilly passed away at 93 years old on August 30, 2023 in Littleton, Colorado.
She grew up in Watervliet, NY and graduated from Watervliet High School. After high school, she held a clerical position with the State of New York. In 1951, her world opened up when she was accepted in Stewardess School for American Airlines. As a stewardess in the golden area of flying, Jane was based at LaGuardia Airport in New York where she lived with a group of stewardesses who became her lifetime friends. Read her obituary here. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/reilly/jane
Jane was a member of The Kiwi Club for over 50 years and belonged to Hartford, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver chapters.
The photo on the right is Jane on an American Airlines recruiting brochure in the early 50's. "A classic, as was Jane," says Jan Hanson
The Denver Kiwis have prepared a special tribute to Jane Reilly
To see the photos and read the stories click here:
Jane Meyer Reilly
Deborah Smith Szymanski - 72, of Aurora,IL and Scottsdale, AZ, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on August 22, 2023.
Debbie was born in St. Louis, MO. to loving parents Lyle and the late Maxine Smith. She was a proud graduate of Incarnate Word High School and Quincy University.
Debbie spent 41 years working as a Flight Attendant for American Airlines. In retirement she loved playing golf and pickle ball. Debbie also enjoyed studying foreign languages, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren. Read Debbie's full obituary here.
Kitty Gross Hobbs, 72, passed away on August 13, 2023 at her home in Nashville, TN. Kitty was born on September 8th, 1950 to June and Michael Gross of Memphis, TN. After graduating from White Station High School in 1968, she attended college, went on to become a flight attendant for American Airlines, and took to the skies.
In 1972, she met the love of her life, David Hobbs. They were married in 1973 and raised two sons, David and Darren. Kitty was a member of the Nashville chapter. To read more about Kitty and see more photos go to the Newsletter page and open the Music City September newsletter.
Click here to read Kitty's full obituary.
Nancy Jan Hare passed away on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in Phoenix, Arizona on August 6th. Nancy was born February 6th, 1947, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She graduated from Williamsville High School in Williamsville, New York. She went on to college at Robert Morris in Pittsburgh. At the age of 20 she began a 40-year career in her dream job as a flight attendant for American Airlines.
Nancy had quite a career, from being named “First Lady” on the 747 to being hijacked to Cuba, to earning several “Professional Flight Attendant’s” awards. Nancy was a member of the Chicago Kiwi Club. To read Nancy's complete obituary click here.
Edythe Swann, December 5, 1920, - July 16, 2023. 102 years old!
She graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a degree in Nutrition. After graduation, she moved to New York to train as a stewardess with American Airlines, servicing the international route between El Paso and Mexico City. On October 20, 1945, she married Richard E. Swann, Jr. where they settled in Dallas and raised five children.
She was a lifetime member of The Kiwi Club. Edythe loved to travel to Mexico, Europe, and Brazil. She enjoyed dancing, especially the swing. She was passionate about classic films. She was fluent in Spanish and had an extensive knowledge of gardening. To read more about Edythe, click here.
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Ginny Smith Dreher - March 26, 1926 - July 16, 2023 Sarasota, Florida Born on March 26, 1926, in Detroit, MI, Ginny pursued her education at Michigan State University. She worked as a stewardess with American Airlines, showcasing her passion for travel and service. Ginny later shared her time between Door County, WI, and Longboat Key, FL, before eventually settling in Sarasota on a full-time basis.
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Ginny was a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Kiwis, a chapter of The Kiwi Club.
To read Ginny's complete obituary click here:
Gail Norwood Kinder, age 73, died at home in Chapel Hill, NC, on July 11, 2023. Born on September 28, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Evelyn Weaver. Gail’s family lived in Wooster, Ohio, for several years before relocating to Williamsburg, Virginia, a town that Gail loved dearly. Gail was a graduate of James Blair High School and Emory and Henry College.
After college, Gail moved to Dallas, Texas, to train to become an American Airlines flight attendant. There she met Mike Norwood, her husband of 41 years. Her expected stay of six weeks in Dallas turned into over twenty years. Gail and Mike had two daughters - Mary-Evelyn and Amy.
To read Gail's complete obituary click here.
If you have a death of a Kiwi to report; please notify all of the following:
2nd VP, Kathy Schmidt Kuzminski - thekiwiclub2ndvicepresident@gmail.com,
National Secretary, Eileen Vaquilar Clifford - thekiwiclubsecretary @gmail.com
Webmaster Jill Richey Rohan - thekiwiclubwebmaster@gmail.com