Bette Nash was a flight attendant who worked for 67 years, longer than any other flight attendant in history.
- Died: May 17, 2024 (Who else died on May 17?)
- Details of death: Died in hospice care after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 88.
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Bette Nash’s legacy
Nash was 21 years old and working as a legal secretary when she answered an ad seeking a flight attendant, an occupation then called stewardess or air hostess. The job was with Eastern Air Lines, and she got it. Initially based in Miami, she was soon transferred to Washington, D.C., and the D.C. to New York City shuttle became her regular route. She preferred the short East Coast run, which allowed her to be home each night as the sole caregiver for a son with Down syndrome.
Over the years, the names of her airline changed; the Eastern Air Lines Shuttle was bought in 1989 by future president Donald Trump and became the Trump Shuttle, and it was later acquired by US Airways, then American Airlines. But Nash continued working her same route, becoming a friend to regular passengers and a legend among flight attendants. The D.C. to Boston shuttle became known as the “Nash Dash” to regulars in her honor.
Nash told stories of the many changes in flight technology and in amenities – over the years, she went from serving passengers full meals to passing out snacks – but in a 2017 interview for CBS Evening News, she said one thing hadn’t changed: “The people are exactly the same. Everybody needs a little love.”
For her 50th anniversary in 2007, Nash was honored with a water salute, an honor usually reserved for pilots upon their retirement. When she marked her 60th anniversary, American Airlines gave her a pair of diamond earrings and donated $10,000 to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank, a charity she supported. In 2022, with more than 64 years of service, she was named the longest-serving flight attendant in the world by Guinness World Records. Nash continued to work by choice until her recent health concerns prevented it, although she never officially retired.
Notable quote
“My favorite part of flying over the years has been greeting my passengers as they board and deplane. People really are fascinating, and it’s truly been a joy.” — from a statement at her 60th anniversary celebration
Tributes to Bette Nash
Full obituary: NPR
