GAFFANEY, MARY one of the World's greatest Aerobatic pilot, has passed away at age 91. Although Mary's residence and her businesses (Kendall Flying School/Kendall Gliderport) were located in Miami, Florida, Mary's life was spent in the air. At the age of 16, Mary began her long journey with aviation and never stopped flying towards her goal of achieving almost every rating known to the Aviation World. She was the first female skywriter in the US, first female helicopter pilot in Florida and first woman to win Gold medals in the World Aerobatic Competition in 1970 &1972. But Mary was known to have three other loves in her life: her husband, her mother and her animals. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Charles Gaffaney, and her mother, Letty Tracy. She is survived by her brother, Jack Tracy. The viewing will be held at Miami Memorial Funeral Home-Westchester at 12 noon on Saturday Dec 16 followed by burial at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, any donations in memoriam to Mary should be made to the ASPCA.
Published in the Miami Herald on Dec. 15, 2017
Published in the Miami Herald on Dec. 15, 2017
