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Mary Feik Obituary
Mary Stan Feik, who was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 9, 1924, and lived in Annapolis, MD, for a total of 52 years, passed away at home from complications of cancer on June 10, 2016. After overhauling her first automobile engine for her father when she was 13, she turned to aircraft engines and military aircraft at the age of 18, and taught aircraft maintenance to crew chiefs and mechanics for the US Army Air Corps in 1942. During WWII, Feik became an expert on many military aircraft and is credited with becoming the first woman engineer in research and development in the Air Technical Service Command's Engineering Division at Wright Field in Dayton, OH. She flew more than 6,000 hours as pilot in fighter, attack, bomber, cargo, and training aircraft. She qualified as a B-29 Flight Engineer and was an engineering analyst in test aircraft for flight and maintenance requirements. On February 24, 1996, she was the first woman to be presented The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award by the FAA. She was a Life Member of the Civil Air Patrol, a recipient of the CAP Distinguished Service Medal, a CAP Colonel, and had the third achievement in the cadet program named for her. In April 2016, her local Civil Air Patrol Squadron, MD028 Annapolis Composite Squadron, was rechartered as the Col. Mary S. Feik Composite Squadron. She was named a Maryland Aviation Pioneer in 1998, and was inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame in 2015. The National Aeronautics Association awarded the Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Award for Achievement to her in 2003, the Frank G. Brewer Trophy in 2006, and the Katharine Wright Award in 2013. Her portrait was added to the First Flight Shrine at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in 2014, when she was inducted into the First Flight Society. She was the daughter of Mary Martin and George Stan. She married Robert Lewis Feik on June 17, 1950. He preceded her in death on June 15, 2004. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Vest; son-in-law, Warren Vest; and sister, Constance Richau. A memorial service will be held in the near future. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Col. Mary S. Feik Composite Squadron, 3090 Solomans Island Rd, Bldg Q, Edgewater, MD 21037.
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Amanda Mick
August 14, 2016
Mary was my granmom I was young the last time I saw her I remember mom and taking my sisrer and I to her house I loved playing with my granddad as a little girl my name is Amanda feik mick
Barry Wenaas
July 12, 2016
My condolences to Robin and Allen. What an honor to have worked with Mary for so many years in Aerospace Education. We shared so many stories with our love of flying and mentoring young people. Her "special tool kit" was the envy of all of us who knew her. She is an incredible legend and she will be greatly missed. Thank you for promoting Women in Aviation. Mary, "you have put out your hand and touched the FACE of GOD.
Bill Howe
June 29, 2016
Godspeed, Lady of the air.
Mark Martin
June 27, 2016
The B-29 Museum in Pratt, Kansas has included her story in our "Women in the War" display. The Civil Air Patrol was the gateway for many women into the Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) and Mary's own history proved she could compete and excel in a male dominated role during WW II. She has spent the last few decades serving and inspiring young people in the Civil Air Patrol. Her enthusiasm and contributions will inspire future generations of women in aviation. We offer our condolences to her friends and family for a loss to the world of aviation.
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Christen Walker
June 22, 2016
I loved Ms. Feik one of my favorite customers that I enjoyed talking to whenever she visited the bank. We would always talk about her accomplishments and where she would be traveling to next. She will truly be missed. I will never forget her stern handshake. Rest in Peace Ms. Feik, until next time.
Will Lee
June 22, 2016
Mary was a fantastic friend and I feel so fortunate that I got to work with her. What a Great Lady.
Tracey Stark
June 22, 2016
Mary we met many years ago thru CAP, Jett Mayhew introduced me. You were such an easy person to be around we were instant friends. I am a better person for having known you! Fly high Mary!
June 21, 2016
Mary you were a truly remarkable lady we enjoyed are conversations with you when you stepped into cape apothecary. We will all miss you. Doreen.
June 21, 2016
So grateful to have shared lunch with Mary about a year ago at the regular pilots get-together. I loved our conversations and husband, Adam treasured the chat he had with Mary about airplanes. Mary had such a spark about her. And remarkable all she accomplished in her life. My condolences to this bright light's family and friends. Margaret Barker-Frankel
Charles Mitchell
June 20, 2016
We grieve for her family but not for her. You can only truly grieve for a life that is wasted and Mary clearly left the world a far richer place than she found it. Her profound legacy in the CAP alone will be felt for generations to come. I did not have the pleasure of meeting the Colonel, but her picture here makes me wish I had. My daughter just joined the CAP, NY048 as I had back in the 70's, and I look forward to the day when she earns the prestigious Feik Achievement. Thank you Mary for helping empower young people everywhere, and may your family take joy in knowing that your good work will continue and I hope that joy will serve to ease their grief.
Gertrudes Allas
June 20, 2016
My condolences to Robin and Allen. I'll certainly miss the ever sweet smiling Mary and I'm so proud and happy I had the privilege to have served her on the last month of her life, our hero. She makes us women proud and she's a great inspiration.
Col Timothy Hahn
June 20, 2016
Mary,
What you did for our cadets and for aviation will never be forgotten. Your dance card always had my name on it at every banquet I can remember. I will miss those dances.
Bill Rogerson
June 20, 2016
My condolences to Robin and Mary's family.
Joanne Alloway
June 19, 2016
My condolences to Robin and Mary's family. She was the most beautiful, spirited woman I ever met and bonded with immediately. I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Mary for my book, "A Quiet Strength" - published in 2014. Her spectacular life and career path were so remarkable as to be inspirational to every generation. RIP, Mary; you will be missed and cherished by all who knew you - or of you.
Mary Feik CAP FL Wing Conf 2015
June 19, 2016
Colonel Feik was an amazing aviator and of whom I had to honor to speak with at great length and also to be pictured with in a recent CAP conference. She was well liked by the Cadets and was a great mentor and educator. She will be greatly missed.
Lt. Col. Virginia Kurasch, CAP
Tallahassee Composite Squadron
Florida Wing
Whitney Heer
June 19, 2016
Col Feik was an amazing inspiration to myself and other CAP cadets. I had the opportunity to meet her at a wing conference when I was a Cadet and she has been one of my heroes ever since. Thanks to her inspiration I continued to pursue my dreams. I recently graduated from the Naval Academy and will go to Flight School in the fall.
Leo LeBoeuf
June 18, 2016
We have lost a great aviator, engineer and mentor. She will be missed. I feel fortunate and privileged to have met her. My condolences to her family on the loss of this great woman.
Leo H. LeBoeuf
Capt. CAP
103rd Composite Squadron
Connecticut Wing CAP
Major MJ Ricketts
June 18, 2016
Col Feik was an awesome person to meet. She was a kind and caring person and always had a smile on her face. It was an honor to have met her. I will never forget her. RIP Col Feik.
Major MJ Ricketts
June 17, 2016
Mary was a great inspiration to me when I started flying and remains an inspiration today, 40 years later. She is now soaring with the eagles.
CAP Lake in the Hills GRL-IL282
June 17, 2016
She was an inspiration to many and always will be. Mary was a leader and a teacher. A person that we are proud to say was part of CAP. She to this day has many cadets near and far that stand in awe of her. My she RIP knowing how many she touched. We send our blessings to her family and friends. We salute you.
Liz Blackey
June 17, 2016
Rest in peace Mary. I am honored to have known you if only just a little.
June 17, 2016
I was so impressed with her humbleness and amazing accomplishments in aviation, especially at a time it was not easy for women to be recognized in non traditional professions. I will never forget working with her when she came to speak at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT and am so glad i had the opportunity to meet her and hear about some of her history firsthand. May she be soaring high beyond the Blue Skies!
Jon Shimer
June 17, 2016
I sure am going to miss Mary, especially at Sentimental Journey Fly-In next week. She always enjoyed attending the Fly-In. She would often tell her "War Stories" to me into the wee hours sitting at the picnic tables under the pavilion at (KLHV) William T Piper Memorial Airport. A national treasure of aviation knowledge and experience, she was very inspirational to youth in aviation (working into her 90's), the CAP cadets, and me. Tailwinds and Blue Skies, RIP Mary Feik. My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends. Jon
Dennis Chevalier
June 17, 2016
yOUR GIFT TO C.A.P. AND THE WORLD WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
Alan Robertson
June 16, 2016
I actually met her when i did a program with cap, i was very honered to meat her and i am very hartbroken that she has passed
May she rest in peace i will put her in my prayer tonight
Rodney Ploessl
June 16, 2016
A truly admirable woman! A great example for us all!
C/Lt Col Kiana Ward
June 16, 2016
Col Feik was and is the person I looked up to. I am beyond blessed to have met her several times in the five years that I have been a part of CAP. Thank you for your inspiring talks and outstanding service.
Lauren Grantt
June 16, 2016
I wish I would have had the pleasure to meet you. You are a great leader.
Cadet Technical Sergeant Grantt, Civil Air Patrol
John Strong
June 16, 2016
On behalf of Montgomery Senior Squadron our condolences to the family. What a wonderful life Mary had. At the last MD wing Confrence I had the pleasure of trading stories with Mary.
We aviators at MSS know Mary will now be watching our six.
R.I.P
C/2nd Lt Michael Scheidle
June 16, 2016
On behalf of the Nellis Composite Squadron, I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to the Feik family. Colonel Feik will always be remembered as a national treasure and an inspiration, role model and motivator to the cadet corps across the US. Blue skies, ma'am, you are irreplaceable.
J. Lynn Dean
June 16, 2016
condolences
Lt Col Kevin Stuart, CAP & MSGT (Ret) USAF
June 16, 2016
I meet Colonel Feik for the first time, last summer at the Civil Air Patrol National Convention in Orlando, FL. We talked aviation and the U.S. Air Force for a long time, and for several times. When she found out that I served in the Air Force for over 35 years, and that I was a Crew Chief on B52G's and C123's, she was elated. She was a Grand Lady, and I am so happy I finally got to meet her in person.
John Lesick
June 16, 2016
Was such a pleasure to have met you. I will always treasure those moments. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
John A. Lesick Jr. Major, CAP
Past DCP, CTWG
VA-040 Winchester Comp Sq. Annual Banquet 12/8/2004
Zach Muncy
June 16, 2016
Steve and Sherry S.
June 16, 2016
We met Mary through Civil Air Patrol (Cap) and were overwhelmed with her amazing history, her wonderful personality, and her constant humbleness. She was a true pioneer in so many ways and and a dedicated advocate for aviation and CAP. Mary will be missed by so many; we hope her legend continues to be recognized and that others will continue to be inspired by her. Our condolences to Mary's family, especially Robin (another CAP advocate!), and any cat(s) that may have been with Mary at this time.
Lt Theresa Lawson
June 15, 2016
Col Feik you will always live on in the hearts and minds of Civil Air Patrol, a true legend and hero to women in aviation. Thank you for your service!
Chris Striker
June 15, 2016
From all of us at Challenger Composite Sq. 1986 (PCR-CA-448): A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept our condolences, Col. Feik will not be forgotten.
Laura Burck
June 15, 2016
Col.Mary Feik, You touched so many lives and we are forever honored to have known you.Thank you for your service to our country and to Civil Air Patrol.Our hearts are sadden to say goodbye to a wonderful Legion.RIP.We forever have you in our hearts.Our Cadets, Pilots, and Senior members of Easton Composite Squadron Easton, Maryland all Salute you!
Marilyn Burysz
June 14, 2016
Mary was so special! Whenever I told her how privileged I was to call her a friend she would reply how privileged she was to have me a friend! Mary made everyone feel special and we all cherished her hugs. CAP and particularly cadets were most important to her and the love was returned.
Carol Whelan
June 13, 2016
On behalf of the 103rd Composite, my condolences to the family - and to the entire CAP family, for your loss. I will never forget the Christmas Party at our squadron that you attended. It was snowing so bad, many did not come- but you did! I will always remember how you always sat with the cadets- and gave out "your" Feik Awards- Thanks for it all Captain Carol Whelan, 103rd Composite, CTWG
Joseph Korona
June 13, 2016
Colonel Fiek,
It was a great privilege to meet you a couple times over the past 5 years. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story with all of us cadets. We have benefited greatly from you in so many ways. I read over your story every now and then and I still get goosebumps reading what you've done. You be truly missed. Fair skies and tailwinds ma'am!
Joe Korona, C/Major, CAP
Thunderbolt Composite Squadron
TX-295
June 13, 2016
Col Feik has been, and will continue for generations to be, such a great inspiration to so many young ladies and gentlemen who follow. I have been amazed by the reactions of so many cadets who had the opportunity to met her in person. Truly a remarkable women with a wonderful spirit. Our condolences in your family's loss. Maj Brad Haynes, Georgia Wing
June 13, 2016
Mrs. Feik, you will always be remembered. Your work was an inspiration to us all. C/CMSgt John Arnold, VA-017
June 13, 2016
On behalf of the Burke Composite Squadron, Virginia Wing, I would like to express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Feik family during this tragic time. Colonel Mary Feik was and always will be one of the most extraordinary women in the Civil Air Patrol. May you fly high and continue to watch over all of CAP. You will be missed by all.
Major Michael Speakmon, Commander
Burke Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing
Rochelle Fadare
June 13, 2016
Mrs. Fiek you will be truly missed, I really loved making sure you where comfortable as possible in your last days. I am one of the nurses from Regent Healthcare. Also I, enjoyed hearing about your interesting career and the many lives you have changed in a positive way. May you Rest in Peace.
Melody Clancy
June 13, 2016
Dearest Mary, what a beautiful person you were in my life. You soul and spirit, so pure and beautiful. Giving always of your self. You live in the hearts of so many, have blessed more than can be counted. The warmth of your voice and hug will live in my heart forever.
Roxanne Cole
June 13, 2016
Sorry to hear about the loss of a great lady. She added so much to our lives in aviation in the Civil Air Patrol and demonstrating that girls/women can do anything they want to. Met her twice when she visited Oregon.
Semper Vigilans
Major Roxanne Cole
Mahlon Sweet Composite Squadron
Eugene Oregon
Isaiah Tamblingson
June 13, 2016
A pleasure to have met and spent some time with. Truly a beautful soul and a huge loss for everyone.
Isaiah Tamblingson, Captain, Florida Wing
Steven Kuntz
June 13, 2016
It was an honor and a pleasure to get to meet you. Your truly an inspiration to the young Cadets.
Lt.Col Steven Kuntz
OK-115
Keith Barry
June 12, 2016
For those who had the privilege to spend any time with Mary, she would want us to celebrate her life and embrace the wisdom she had to share. She would also say that she lived an exciting and full life, loved by many, and able to return that love by being a part of the lives of cadets and senior members alike. She will fondly live in our hearts forever, and for her, that is a mission accomplished.
teresa edwards
June 12, 2016
May you always have tail winds and never a head wind... Love you Mary no words to describe what you left behind.... Our squadron will never be the same.. Me personally, there is a void.. Just a void.. So loved and so missed Capt. Teresa Edwards, CAP
Civil Air Patrol CT Wing Conference
June 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a inspiration for me. She taught us that women "can" do anything. She always took her time with everyone she met especially our cadets.
Her energy, bright outlook and experience will be greatly missed.
Capt April Krason
Royal Charter Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol
Kurt Pricer
June 12, 2016
Another great one has left us. We are all so much better for having shared experiences with her
The Hartman Family
June 12, 2016
Our lives have been greatly enriched by having known Mary. We are honored to have been her friends and enjoyed the times we spent with her. We will always cherish the trip we made together to Columbus and Dayton for the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, which Mary was truly one of.
Lt. Col William Houting
June 12, 2016
Although I did not personally know Col. Feik, I was well aware of her contributions to CAP. She was a pioneer in her endeavours with the Cadet Program. She will be missed, but remembered as a symbol of excellence!
Lt. Col. William Houting
NER 000
Civil Air Patrol.
Karl Heinzel
June 12, 2016
Tailwinds Mary.. it was an honor and a pleasure to know and work with you.
Barbara McCutcheon
June 12, 2016
My life is richer for having met you. You inspire me to continue supporting the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.
Kenneth Goss
June 12, 2016
Mary touched and inspired generations of aviators. Her example of personal service for nearly 80 years set the standard for those of us lucky enough to know her. Mary -- we are so glad we knew you.
DEBORAH MEDEIROS
June 11, 2016
You will be so missed, especially by the thousands of cadets you have mentored over the years.
Debie Medeiros
Lt. Col. Timothy Medeiros
Breanna Charbonnet
June 11, 2016
Thank you Ms. Feik for being a guiding light for all of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets in the United States.
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