Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer who became the oldest woman to travel to space, has died at 87. The city of Grapevine, Texas, where she lived, announced on Thursday that she died peacefully the evening before, surrounded by loved ones.
Funk, who was born on Feb. 1, 1939, has been hailed as a barrier-breaker for women in the world of aviation and space exploration. The city said she had dedicated more than seven decades of her life to the skies, becoming one of the world’s most accomplished female pilots.
“Wally Funk’s unwavering determination proves that dreams have no expiration date,” Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell said. “Her courage, resilience and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire young people – especially girls – to pursue careers in science, aviation, and space exploration. Grapevine is honored to call Wally Funk one of our own.”…