In Memoriam:

Wally Funk (1939–2026)

The Grand Dames of Aviation mourns the passing of one of aviation and aerospace’s greatest pioneers.

Wally’s designation as Grand Dame #13 was intentional—a tribute to her historic role as one of the legendary Mercury 13, the remarkable women who demonstrated they possessed the knowledge, skill, endurance, and determination to become astronauts during the early days of the U.S. space program. Although history denied the Mercury 13 the opportunity to fly in space, it could never diminish Wally’s extraordinary spirit.

She devoted her life to aviation as a pilot, flight instructor, aviation safety investigator, mentor, and tireless advocate for future generations. Throughout every chapter of her career, Wally inspired others through her optimism, generosity, and unwavering belief that no dream should ever be abandoned.

On July 20, 2021, nearly six decades after proving she had the right stuff, Wally finally achieved the dream she had carried for a lifetime. She flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-16, the company’s first crewed human spaceflight. At 82 years old, she became the oldest person ever to travel to space, a record she held until later that year, and she remains the oldest woman ever to journey beyond Earth.

The Grand Dames of Aviation was deeply honored to recognize Wally’s lifetime of achievement by welcoming her into our sisterhood. Her legacy perfectly reflects our mission to celebrate, educate, and inspire women to believe, achieve, succeed, and lead in aviation and aerospace.

Wally’s life reminds us that perseverance outlasts disappointment, courage transcends barriers, and dreams never have an expiration date.

Though she has taken her final flight, her influence will continue to inspire every aspiring pilot, astronaut, engineer, and aerospace professional who dares to reach higher because she first showed what was possible.

On behalf of the entire Grand Dames of Aviation community, we extend our deepest condolences to Wally’s family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Fair winds, blue skies, and Godspeed, Grand Dame #13.

Your legacy will forever soar.