Saturday, April 24, 2010

WASP Violet Wierzbicki, 43-W-4


"She will be remembered as a woman who saw no limitations, just the horizon, as her spirit, like those of her generations, continues to soar."

Private services will be held for Violet Wierzbicki who passed away in Capitola, CA on April 17, 2010 at the age of 93. 

Born in Taunton, Massachusetts, Violet moved to Flint, Michigan as a child with her family and was raised there.

Violet worked for General Motors as a secretary and during WWII volunteered for Army Air Force flight training, entering training at Avenger Field in the fourth class of Women Airforce Service Pilots.  After successfully completing training, she graduated on August 7, 1943 with Army orders to report to Romulus, Michigan, where she flew as a ferry pilot.  Recently, Violet and all the WASP were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their trailblazing, patriotic service to America.

After the war, Violet moved to San Francisco and worked as a secretary for U.S. Steel. She later worked for Saga Corporation in Menlo Park. Violet's career as a private secretary spanned over 40 years. She retired to Aptos 26 years ago. She leaves many dear friends at Dominican Oaks where she most recently lived.

She was a talented artist and had just completed a book about her life. At the age of 90, Violet shared the cockpit of a plane; taking the controls for a short time. 



She is survived by her sister, Irene Evans of Aptos, nephew David Evans, his wife Marilyn and their children, Caroline, Catherine and Gregory of Santa Clara.