Religion Catholic Nationality American | Name Mary Kinskey | |
 | ||
Institute OSF - Third Franciscan Order Born Mary Aquinas Kinskey
May 27, 1894
Zanesville, Ohio ( 1894-05-27 ) Died October 20, 1985, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States | ||
Mary Aquinas Kinskey, O.S.F., was an American Franciscan Religious Sister who was an expert in and teacher of aerodynamics and aviation. She was also an accomplished pilot. As such she became a distinguished role model for women in the 20th century.
Contents
Biography
She was born Mary Kinskey in 1894 in Zanesville, Ohio.
Kinksey entered the novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in 1911 at the age of 17. After completing that initial stage of membership in the congregation, she was assigned to teach, and was enrolled to gain her higher education at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. during the summer breaks.
Kinksey then graduated in 1926 and started work as a high school teacher. According to the Notre Dame Archives and News, “She became a teacher and her interest in aviation stemmed from the enthusiasm for the subject from her students.” She then trained to become a licensed pilot at the Manitowoc County Airport and taught aerodynamics and meteorology at St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood, Michigan, in 1942.
After having earned her Master's degree in physics from Catholic University, during World War II Kinskey was asked to participate in training of military personnel by the Civil Aeronautics Board and taught aviation and aeronautics at Catholic University, her alma mater, to members of the United States Armed Forces. Her students referred to her as "Spike" and the "Flying Nun". The latter nickname later caused speculation about her possible influence on the television show The Flying Nun when it was broadcast in 1966.
Kinskey appeared as herself in "The Pilot," a biographical 1956 episode of "Westinghouse Studio One." She is also portrayed in the episode by Nancy Kelly.
In 1977 Kinksey retired to the motherhouse of the congregation in Manitowoc after suffering a stroke. She lived there until her death from a heart attack in 1985.
Famous photographs
Kinskey was photographed during a wartime PR campaign illustrating various women's contributions to the war effort. These photographs taken by photographer Ann Rosener, archived by the Library of Congress offer some of the most potent records of her life.
Awards
In 1957, Kinskey received a special citation from the United States Air Force for her “outstanding contributions to the advancement of air power in the interest of national security and world peace.”