Dates

• Existence: 1923 - 2012

Biography

Alda Jane (Gabel) Lewis was born to George C. and Pearl M. Gabel on October 26, 1923 in Cincinnati, Ohio. While attending Ohio State University, World War II began and Alda went to work for the Navy Ferry Squadron in the Port of Columbus (Ohio). During this time, she also began flying lessons.

In 1946, Lewis began working with United Airlines as a flight attendant. She relocated to Portland, Oregon and worked on 21-passenger Douglas DC-3s flying to various locations within the Pacific Northwest. It was during one of these flights that she met her future husband, Alfred R. "Dick" Lewis. They wed in 1950 and relocated to Olympia, Washington where she did volunteer work with many organizations, including the Seattle Children's Hospital, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and Clipped Wings (a group for current, former, and retired United Airlines flight attendants). Lewis passed away on January 10, 2012.

Source:

Biography derived from The Olympian, January 22, 2012 and collection materials.

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