In Memory of Wally Funk

In Memory of Wally Funk

In Memory of Wally Funk
February 1, 1939 – 2026
The Ninety-Nines mourn the passing of one of aviation’s most inspiring pioneers, Mary Wallace “Wally” Funk—a woman whose courage, determination, and love of flight changed the course of history for women in aviation.
Wally was more than a celebrated aviator. She was one of us.
As a longtime member of The Ninety-Nines, Wally embodied Amelia Earhart’s spirit of adventure and the unwavering belief that women belong in every corner of aviation. She spent more than six decades proving that talent, perseverance, and passion know no gender.
Long before the world knew her name, Wally was breaking barriers. In 1961, she became one of the Mercury 13 women who successfully completed the same rigorous physical testing as the male astronauts selected by NASA. She outperformed many of her male counterparts, yet was denied the opportunity to fly in space simply because she was a woman. Rather than allowing disappointment to define her, Wally devoted her life to aviation—earning thousands of hours in the cockpit, instructing countless pilots, serving as the first female FAA inspector and the first female NTSB air safety investigator, and inspiring generations through her enthusiasm and generosity.
Then, at the age of 82, the dream she had carried for sixty years finally came true. On July 20, 2021, Wally flew into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, becoming the oldest woman to reach space. It was a moment celebrated around the world—not simply because she had reached space, but because justice, though long delayed, had finally caught up with determination.
Those fortunate enough to know Wally remember far more than her extraordinary accomplishments. They remember her infectious smile, boundless energy, unmistakable laugh, and genuine joy every time she climbed into an airplane or encouraged another person to chase their dreams. She never lost the excitement of a young girl who looked skyward and believed she belonged there.
For The Ninety-Nines, Wally represented everything our founders envisioned. She opened doors she was never invited to enter, then held those doors open for every woman who followed. She showed us that perseverance can outlast prejudice, that excellence speaks louder than barriers, and that dreams have no expiration date.
As we remember our friend and fellow Ninety-Nine, we celebrate a life lived boldly and without compromise. Wally often said she intended to keep flying for as long as she lived. She did exactly that.
Blue skies and tailwinds, dear Wally.
Your journey has inspired generations of women pilots, and your legacy will continue to lift every young girl who looks to the sky and dares to believe, “I can do that too.”
You will forever have a place in the hearts of your Ninety-Nines sisters.
Blue skies, Wally. We’ll take it from here.My condolences to you and to the entire Ninety-Nines family. Wally’s passing marks the loss of one of the last living links to the pioneering generation that transformed opportunities for women in aviation, but her influence will continue to be felt every time a woman takes the controls of an aircraft.