KATE WILLINGER

WILLINGER--Kate (also known as Katherine), 94, of New York City, died on August 8, 2013. She was born in The Bronx, NYC, on July 12, 1919. She served in World War II as a pilot with the Women Airforce Service Pilots for which she received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010. She ran a successful business in NYC from 1946-1970 manufacturing individual record jackets and was the only woman executive in the industry. In retirement she made furniture and stained glass and enjoyed New York's shows, concerts and museums. She was predeceased by her parents, Max and Minnie (Weinstein) Willinger, brother Henry Willinger and sister Miriam Epstein (Julius). She is survived by her long-term partner and friend Theresa Falgiatore, nephews Allan Willinger (Jo Schlesinger), Richard Willinger and Leonard Epstein (Jan), nieces Judith Willinger (Robert Luke) and Dr. Adele Strominger (Norman), and sister-in-law Miriam Willinger. A graveside funeral service will be held at Beth David Cemetery, 300 Elmont Road, Elmont, New York, at 2pm on August 11, 2013. Services handled by O'Brien Sheipe Funeral Home, Elmont, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the WASP Endowment/TWU Foundation, Texas Woman's University, PO Box 425528, 304 Administration Dr., Denton, TX 76204.