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Lois Hailey Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Lois Hailey
Jaime Herrera
April 26, 2019
Nine years have passed and it seems but a few minutes. Mrs Hailey and her optimism and wisdom live on. Thank God for women like her!!
Luis Fierro
January 3, 2011
(This tribute was provided to Lois's son, Andy, on 3/12/2010, after Lois was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and was added here by Andy.)
I was one of Mrs. Hailey's orchestra students at Bowie High School class of 1966.
I hold Mrs Hailey's in the highest respect as a gifted teacher, mentor and blessed human being. I can look back and say, Mrs. Hailey was unique. She was a truly independent spirit. She was highly intelligent. Like Amelia Earhart who at the El Paso History Museum shows flew into El Paso at one point in her illustrious career, I continue to regard Mrs. Hailey as an awesomely inspiring pioneer woman who played such a critical role during WWII and aviation. She deserves to be mentioned in the same breath and to be likened to Amelia Earhart and more.
She contributed so much as part of an elite group of women who have remained woefully unrecognized for their tremendous selfless, patriotic contribution to this great nation. I read with great pride Mrs. Hailey's name on the Honor Roll at the War Eagles Air Museum and most recently viewed photos at the El Paso Historical Museum with the same degree of pride and joyful melancholy.
Therefore it was probably no coincidence that I was on the Internet this morning and read about/saw the video about Congress' recent honor to the WASPs -- but rather that I would finally learn that such a great individual such as Mrs Hailey along with her female esprit de corps comrades are being recognized in such deserving fashion.
I couldn't help but become teary-eyed upon hearing "Off we go into the wild blue yonder ... " tribute in their honor.
A few years ago a group of her orchestra students, including myself took Mrs Hailey out to lunch -- once again like a flock of humble El Paso south-siders, but all so proud disciples of Mrs Hailey -- still so amazingly powerful in her own magical aura that she was still able to evoke. Her influence on all of us, especially myself will live on for the rest of my life.
There are maybe a handful of people that have touched me like Mrs Hailey that have been able to evoke such passion and fervor for learning and spark for individual growth during my developing years in grade school through high school. Yes, Mrs Hailey was my orchestra teacher from 6th grade through High school -- who took us out of our little south side, limited environment and challenged us to do more -- to successfully participate in All-City Orchestra, to be successful Student Council Officers and even for me to be senior valedictorian.
Yes she is part of only a handful of such powerfully influential teachers that can really help to forge young minds and individual potentials -- but more importantly she sits atop that short list of such wonderful teachers and overall human beings.
I always enjoyed reading her skillfully worded and expressive letters to the editor of the local newspaper even after I left El Paso. All of these remain fond and non-erasable memories today just as much as the day that she took her group of violin students to visit the El Paso airport and let us step inside a parked little Cessna prop airplane inside the hangar. Perhaps just little things for anybody else, but tremendously enduring experiences for me. She always told us that we were a "special" group of musically gifted students. Mrs. Hailey, you will always remain that special and gifted single person for the rest of my life.
As recently as December last year I looked for her in the phone book and went to her home on Brookhaven in El Paso hoping to catch up with her, in the hope that perhaps "her boys" could once again treat her to lunch, but was disappointed that I did not find her and fearing perhaps that we had waited too long.
Cathy Barker Roth
June 10, 2010
To my best cousin and his Family in the whole world, thank you. You have been honest and loyal to me, just like your Mom was to me.
I loved her and hold close to my inner sole all the wisdom she taught me, including the letters and newspaper editorials she used to write. I saved them all. She was and still is my favorite famous great aunt. I'm glad we in the Reno area could honor her in my garden and fly a few ashes over
Pelican Island, Pyramid Lake, with the help of the Ninety Nines.
Lovingly, Cousin Cathy
Eslile Cann
June 10, 2010
Lois,
Thanks for being my dear friend and for sharing your love for Cathy. We have become so close. Because of your relationship with your great niece, I feel you have given me the chance to know her better. She is really looking after me very well. I miss talking with you. I will always keep in touch with you-Andy and Mary Kathryn. Love, Eslie
Sara Hayden
June 8, 2010
Dear Lois, as you fly to new horizons, may the air be clear and the skies blue. Please take with you a package of love and my thank you for your friendship.
I honor your service with a salute and a prayer that God bless and keep you in His hand.
Sara, WASP 44-10
Betty Budde
June 1, 2010
I guess I'm the last one to write my thoughts on your mom. There have been so many and we had such good times. I just read Mickey's letter and she indicated there weren't many of us El Paso bunch left - whoa! What happened? Life is going too fast. Years ago Lois sent a little pecan tree start from her yard - I had told Fred, my husband, about her trees, etc and he wanted to try growing one. I forget what year that was, but we have "topped" the tree at least twice and it is still about twenty feet tall, on our patio. A beautiful tree and a memorial to my old pal! Unfortunately, it has borne only two pecans and that was last year. Betty Budde
I never did thank your mom for that tree. We really enjoy it. (I think the squirrels get the pecans). David
Larry Mizar
May 31, 2010
Mrs. Hailey came into my life at a very important time for me: My sophomore year in high school (Andy's Junior year): one year before I started driving; one year before I started my first social security & federal income tax paying job at Walgreens Drug Store; one year before I started, seriously dating (which had a lot to do with getting that driver's license); and seven years before I went into the military (USNR for me and five years before Andy went into the USN).
I took my drivers license test in Mrs. Hailey's '65 Dodge Dart station wagon with a slant six engine and standard transmission. After getting that drivers license, Mrs. Hailey, Andy, and I drove from El Paso, Texas to Reno, Nevada thence Pyramid Lake, Carson City, Lake Tahoe and, then, back to El Paso.
I can remember the whole trip as if it was yesterday. Especially, when I passed an 18-wheeler at 97 miles per hour: instead of being proud of the Dodge Dart and me, for getting it up to 97 mph, Mrs. Hailey was on all fours yelling in my ear something about what if we had a blow-out at that speed, "we'd all be dead!" Mrs. Hailey was correct, of course: no air bags, no seat belts, and that Dodge would have fit underneath that 18-wheeler with room to spare.
Sure enough, the next day, we had a blow-out, I was driving; but, it was at 45 mph and everything went smoothly: "hold it steady Larry, ease her off on to the shoulder Larry, don't use the brakes Larry, let the dynamic braking of the vehicle's engine, slow us down Larry, good job, Larry ..." Never once mentioning the previous day's 97 mph adventure or the unspoken, "aren't you glad this didn't happen yesterday." No need to; Mrs. Hailey had made the point quite clear, the day before, and it was history. Thank you, Mrs. Hailey.
That trip, where Andy and I shared the driving and Mrs. Hailey supervised, instructed, trained, coached, & taught us the finer points of highway driving was such a positive experience that I took my two children on similar, road trips before they took their drivers license test in a standard transmission vehicle; both passed with very high marks, 97 and 100, respectively. Thank you, Mrs. Hailey.
Mrs. Hailey helped teach me to respect women which, in turn, helped me be successful at dating. Young ladies that I could talk to, as well as, have a good time with were the ones I was looking for. "Traditional," good times are easy when one has a lot of money to throw around; but, even though gasoline was 29 cents a gallon, minimum wage was one dollar an hour back then and I had a college education to save for. Listening to what a woman had to say and carrying on an intelligent conversation with her made up for those times when all I could afford was two burgers, shared French fries, and a shared cherry coke. Thank you, Mrs. Hailey.
Most 16 year olds did not have a clue what social security was, let alone, why it was with-held along with federal income tax; Mrs. Hailey taught me about both and the importance / significance of both. Mrs. Hailey refused to go to fast food drive-in restaurants that replaced half the car-hops with speaker boxes because the speaker boxes put tax paying workers out of work. To this day I have never used an ATM and avoid self-service check outs unless it is the only option. Of course being a senior citizen and staring at the d*** self service counters, helplessly, usually draws a helpful clerk out of the wood-work to help me. Another man might be embarrassed; but, not this Lois Hailey trained consumer: "I am creating / perpetuating job security for the help staff." I treated every customer, while working at Walgreens for five and a half years (while working my way through college), with the respect, dignity, and good service that Mrs. Hailey would expect me to treat the customer with. Today, I always, thank the cashier, waitress, waiter, service person with their name and look them in their eye. Thank you, Mrs. Hailey.
"Not going into the military," was not an option: Mrs., Hailey did, Andy did, and Mrs. Hailey would want me to confess that my draft number was 63. When I was about to be drafted, Mrs. Hailey encouraged me to take my military destiny into my own hands and I joined the Naval Reserve. I worked for the Navy for 35 years (counting that reserve time), full time, and have continued to work for the Navy off-and-on for the last four years. Thank you, Mrs. Hailey.
I continue to remember and appreciate you, Mrs. Lois Hailey; May God Bless and keep you.
Cecilia Cardenas
May 30, 2010
Mrs.Hailey, not only served as a pilot out of love for our country but was also a devoted orchestra teacher who taught at my middle school Guillen, located in south El Paso. Most of the students or parents in south El Paso are immigrants. I remember,as if it was just yesterday, how she presented us with traditional Mariachi mexican music. We looked at her in surprise, she smiled and told us these were some of her favorite Mexican songs. She also made sure her students all participated in the El Paso orchestra competitions that took place yearly. Mrs. Hailey made sure we were very well prepared for our solos,quartets, and symphony performances. As a result, we amazed the judges and therefore, many times returned back home with high honors and first place medals. One year, she decided that we should all wear uniforms for our orchestra competition. One of the student's mother volunteered to make us all green vests. On the day of the competition, in all the confusion everyone grabbed the wrong vest size including Mrs.Hailey,and rushed to the bus like a bunch of late green suited leprachauns. Mrs. Hailey had so much confidence in us, that in the end it didn't really matter if the vest "enhanced" our appearance. In the end, through her love for music, she was able to reach out and impact our lives positively, enabling us to reach out for the stars and dream.
Geof Tait
May 30, 2010
Lois "soared the skies on laughter silvered wings....", helping American pilots by testing aircraft they'd need to combat aggression in Europe and Asia. In doing so, she helped Americans keep the freedoms we take for granted, making her one of the heroines to thank this Memorial Day. And I thank her for being part of my life personally in El Paso as her son and I, together with a few friends, raised our own kind of awareness among the residents of two nations, leaving our mark. And Lois is to blame! I mean, Lois is the one who gave us the direction to make the right choices. I'll miss you....so Fly High!!
Rudy Reyes KFOX TV
RUDY REYES
May 29, 2010
when I called the Texas Women univeristy for research on the WASP for the documentery The Biggs Fly Girls Heriones of the Sky.I was giving Andy's web site and contact number.little did I know I was about to go on a flight full of adventures.I interviewed Mrs Lois B.Hailey in Houston she was formal and tried her best to give me a good interview about her experince as a pilot.when we were done I told her that I too was a former Bowie High School student and at that memoment we had a special contaction we both knew what that ment to us.I was very inspired by all the women pilots I interviewed for the documentery you only had took look into their eyes to see and feel that american spirit that makes you understand these WASP were heriones of the skies.I will miss Lois,my former teacher I only regret not being one of her pupils but this coming memorial day when I will look into the beautiful sunset and sunrise of El Paso's skies I will remember WASP 43-w-3 Lois Brooks Hailey still fying and smiling onto another soaring adventure
Marie Michell Robinson 44-2, one of the 38
Cheryl Marie Van Riper
May 28, 2010
Lois Hailey is now with Marie Michell Robinson, flying higher.... http://38wasp.blogspot.com/
I'm glad she brought Andy Hailey into this world. I am sorry for your loss Andy. Thanks for your incredibly big heart and motivation to keep the WASP memoirs alive.
Bunny Brick/Macario
May 28, 2010
I would like to say a few words from PA. This is Bunny Macario the daughter of Kay Brick. Lois and Kay were WASP class mates from the class of 43-3. They were friends from WWII on.
Lois the “Kid” who was the Ace of spades was always sharp and quick to reply to my letters. If it wasn’t for Lois I would not have known about the Gold Medal ceremony in Washington DC for the WASP. Lois was quite a writer and a great lady who knew how to live life to its fullest, full of adventure and guts to fly the big birds during the war time.
You can always learn something from the pilots who experienced the flight of life. “They were born with wings”
God bless Lois, her family and all her friends and relatives.
Suzanne Azar
May 28, 2010
Lois was a delight to know, and certainly stepped up to the plate to serve her country with her flying skills. I am so glad she was honored by our country before her death.
Mike Betzler
May 28, 2010
While I did not personally know Mrs. Hailey, I am sure that my mother did (also, a WASP). Likewise, how fitting to honor our veteran moms on / near Memorial Day!
I hope, like we do, that you share the re-assurance of having had the love, time and nurture of a great woman, military pioneer and mother.
We send our prayers, blessings and wishes on this sorrowful event and yet, Praise the Learned Experience of having Mom in our lives.
A WASP Daughter
May 27, 2010
Your mom gave so many gifts to others, from her strength of character, sharing her history, giving the gift of music to enrich so many lives. Gifts to last for generations. What a privilege to have met her.
Mickey Bright
May 27, 2010
Andy,
I can just see Brooksie now coming in from the flight line at Biggs. What a wonderful time we had. Yes, I miss her and her great letters, her sense of humor and being a great gal. I think Betty Budde and I are the only ones left from Biggs now, so I can see them all up there - Kaddy, Bayley, Clayton, Holly, Sammy, and the rest, doing a lot of hangar flying. Oh, yes, I believe Emma Coulter Ware is still with us. I saw you in D.C., but there were so many people I didn't get to say Hi. God Bless you Andy, and God Bless Brooksie. Love, Mickey Bright
Scott Ferguson
May 27, 2010
Andy and family,
Lois's grace, strength, love, and enduring legacy lives on in you.
Jaime Herrera
May 23, 2010
Andy,
Your mom (Mrs Hailey) did so much for our family - she was much more than my (and my brother's) orchestra and violin teacher - there is only one way we can repay her and that is by trying to set as good an example as she did. She set a high standard indeed and she will always be remembered by us.
Jackie (Blackahm) Wilkins
May 16, 2010
Andy, your mom was part of our family. She was always helping us celebrate one thing or another. My mom knew her from Biggs Field and then as a WASP. Our family loved her! She has her second pair of wings now.
Ida Steadman
May 15, 2010
Lois Hailey---What an incredible woman! After teaching for 45+ years, I still use what I learned from you at Bowie High School in 1961 as your student teacher. I enjoyed learning about your life, things I never knew. You must have had much in common with my dad. I'm sure you are in heaven with him now. Please give him a hug for me. Ida (El Paso)
May 11, 2010
Just watching and listening to Lois and Edna Gardner Whyte, who was a guest speaker at an EAA-555 dinner in Las Cruces, talking and laughing so hard and so much about the "old" days and times when they been together; was just wonderful to learn about the women aviation pioneers and to enjoy their wonderful company. It was always an Honor to be seated with Ruth Dearman and Lois Haley. Hopefully, when I fly west and see them again; I know the hangar will be filled with those whose lives Lois touched so deeply.
May 10, 2010
Lois Hailey, I only knew you through Lois Ziler of Dell City, TX. Mrs. Ziler was a WONDERFUL lady and being a friend of yours, I'm sure you will be missed greatly.
Mike Casey
May 9, 2010
Mrs. Hailey,
Maam, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the Women's Air Ferrying Service during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Liz
May 3, 2010
Mrs. Hailey,
Thank You for such a wonderful life; you are a great example that the sky is the limit. Now you've spread your wings and kept flying.
George Peckham
May 3, 2010
I refer to them as the "Three Muskateers"...my Dad, his brother George, and Lois...all 3 are remarkable representations of the Greatest Generation...we all humbled by their lives...how lucky we were to have her as family
Becky Myers-James
May 3, 2010
I have so many great memories of Aunt Louis and my grandma Louise, you two wonderful women will hold a place in my heart forever.
May 3, 2010
I loved reading about your mom. God bless you all.
Tina N
May 2, 2010
Thank you for sharing your Mother's Story. What a fascinating woman. What a fascinating life. How lucky of El Paso to have had her share her talents. How lucky of you to have had her as a Mother. May her life continue to be an inspiration and may her inspiration bring you comfort.
David Boatright
May 2, 2010
"Brooks" as my grandfather called her, taught him how to fly in El Paso when she was giving lessons. What a wonderful American story.
Charles Peckham
May 2, 2010
Aunt Emma will be forever missed. She was and is an inspiration to her family and many others. Andy, our prayers are with you and the family. We will miss most her long letters and fierce defense of everything American. Gob Bless her and the family.
My Pop, Jim Peckham, thought the world of his step-sister and I am certain that they are back in their Taylorcraft together now.
Charles and Veronica Peckham, Charles Henry, Kincaid and Kathleen
Charles Hailey
May 2, 2010
Mom will be missed by so many.
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