Adeline Ellison

Adeline Ellison
Adeline Ellison, WWII Pilot took her Last Flight on June 10, 2017. Born September 26, 1919 in Chicago to Polish parents Walter and Anna Wolak.
Addie's father was a civilian pilot and urged her to take flying lessons. She was hooked! They both joined the Civil Air Patrol. When the war broke out, she saw an ad in the paper seeking women pilots for training. She took tests and was accepted into the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program, graduated and was stationed in Long Beach with the 6th Ferrying Group. She delivered aircraft such as the B-17, B-25, B24, and C-47 from factories to bases in the U.S.A.
While at Long Beach, Addie met her future husband, Robert Ellison who was a pilot in the Air Force. They were married June 24th 1944 and since the WASP were being deactivated, she resigned to go with Robert to Colorado to begin their new life.
After the war they traveled around the country as an Air Force family with their children, Andrea and Bobby and settled in San Carlos, Ca.
Addie joined the Air Force Reserves but was discharged when they found out she had children. In the 70's the WASP were given Veteran status and in 2010 were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Adeline attended the ceremony in D.C. with her family. It was one of the highlights of her life!
Locally, a plane was named ADELINE, thanks to Ralph Sauceda the owner. It was a special honor given to her at the Commemorative Air Force breakfast at the Modesto Airport.
Adeline loved life, family and friends. She was a homemaker, a secretary, opened a Latin Dance Studio and ran for City Clerk of San Carlos. But most of all she was a great wife, mother and grandmother. In 1983 Addie and Bob moved to Modesto to be close to the grandchildren!
They continued their love of adventure by traveling all over the world. Robert passed away after their 57th year of marriage. She is survived by her daughter Andrea Holmquist (Thom), granddaughters Alyssa Bienvenu (Rich) and Amanda Holmquist and great grandson Lucien Bienvenu. Addie was preceded in death by her son Bobby, and brother Ed Wolak.
Adeline will be interred at San Joaquin Nat'l Cemetery along with her husband. She requested this for their grave stone:"Two Hot Pilots Together at Last."
Franklin & Downs Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Ellison Family. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from 12:00 – 3:00pm at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, 1050 McHenry Ave. in Modesto. Burial will follow on June 28, 2017 at 2:00pm at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA. A Celebration of Adeline's Life will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 11:30am at Franklin & Downs Funeral Home.
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