Aviation Pioneer Wally Funk Dies at 87

Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to travel into space, died on Wednesday evening at her apartment in Grapevine, Texas. She was 87 years old. Funk's death was confirmed by city councilwoman and close friend Duff O’Dell, who also served as Funk's caregiver. O’Dell stated that Funk had recently experienced falls and had an infection in her leg, which ultimately contributed to her passing.

Funk's career in aviation began at a young age, and she achieved numerous milestones. She was part of the "Mercury 13," a group of women who underwent astronaut testing in the early 1960s but were ultimately denied the opportunity to become NASA astronauts due to their gender. Despite this setback, Funk continued to pursue her passion for flight, becoming a flight instructor and a pilot for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). She also worked as a pilot for the CIA.

In a historic moment, Funk finally achieved her dream of space travel in 2021, at the age of 82. She flew aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, becoming the oldest person to travel to space at that time. This flight marked a significant personal achievement and a symbolic victory for the women of the Mercury 13 program. Her journey highlighted decades of perseverance and advocacy for women in aviation and space exploration.

Funk's legacy extends beyond her personal accomplishments. She inspired generations of women to pursue careers in STEM fields and challenged societal norms regarding gender roles in aviation and space. Her life story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams against considerable odds. The news of her passing was met with widespread tributes from the aviation community and beyond, acknowledging her pioneering spirit and enduring impact.