1927 - 2015 (Age 87)
Jenny Wallenda, 87, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday at her home in Sarasota, Florida, according to family members.
Wallenda's nephew, Rick Wallenda, said his aunt died following a lengthy illness.
"She had a great life in entertainment, a very rewarding and rich life," he said.
Wallenda was the oldest daughter of high wire walker Karl Wallenda and grandmother of daredevil performer Nik Wallenda.
Jenny Wallenda's husband, Richard Faughnan, died in 1962 when a human pyramid collapsed. Karl Wallenda fell to his death in 1978.
Jenny Wallenda survived the invasion of Berlin by Soviet forces at the end of World War II and returned to the United States in 1947 to perform with her family. Her parents sent her to Germany to live with her grandparents in 1934 at age 6.
Jenny Wallenda walked the high wire as an adult and performed on bareback horses as a child.
According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune (http://bit.ly/1GVVgld) Wallenda advocated for causes important to the circus community in her later years and helped create the Circus Ring of Fame. She was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2008.
Nik Wallenda paid tribute to the woman he called Oma on his Facebook page.
"She was an amazing woman who lived a truly incredible life. She will be missed everyday. Oma in your honor, I will never give up," he wrote.
MELISSA NELSON-GABRIEL, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
A great loss! I knew Jenny in the 80's and 90's when she managed Show Folks Club. She was always laughing and working hard. Good memories of that time.
Rest in Peace Jenny
Peggy Scheuer
April 03, 2021 | Paris | Family
Valenda Newell
December 04, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
I lived near the Circus Trailer Park on Myrtle St. in the 60's. Jenny came to Central School and taught us Circus Acts during our recess periods. It was very special. I went to school with Tino and have seen him a few times during his visits to our area to perform. Will never forget Jenny Wallenda,so sorry. Kathie O'Ross Knaus. South Park, PA
April 23, 2015
Very sorry to her about your mother passing away. Wish I could have been there for the funeral. In case you are wondering this is Edie Gilford that lived down the road for all of you on Myrtle st. That was a long time ago but the memories are still there Delilah.
Edie Flint
April 20, 2015 | Gulfport, FL
May the God of tender mercy (Psalm 83:18) grant the family peace and comfort, during this time of sorrow.
April 16, 2015
To let you know that thoughts and prayers are with the Wallenda family in your time of sorrow, Mary Chris and the entire Allied family.
April 15, 2015
The death of a loved one can cause much sadness. Be assured that God is for us a refuge and strength. He is a help that is readily to be found when we experience periods of helplessness. Cherish the good memories!
The Carter Family
April 13, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to the family on your loss of your dear loved one who was blessed with special mightiness. May the God of all comfort, family and friends during this difficult time. Psalms 90:10
April 13, 2015 | CT
So sorry for the loss,may the love of God be with you and may He bless your efforts to cope at this time......
April 08, 2015