Sister Mary Aquinas

Education

Sister Mary Acquinas the convent in 1911 at age 17.  She graduated from the Catholic University of America in 1926 and started teaching at St. Ambrose High School in Ironwood, Michigan. Her interest in aviation stemmed from the enthusiasm for the subject from her students.  As a result of this interest, she earned a Master of Science in physics at the University of Notre Dame.  Former students fondly remember Sister Mary Aquinas by her nickname, Spike. “Nobody ever told me why, but we all understood. It reflected her personal strength, her dynamics, and her take-charge image.” 

The Flying Nun

Following Sister Aquinas earning her pilot license in 1938, friends often referred to as the Flying Nun. However, this flying nun possessed little in common with Sister Bertrille.  Sally Field portrayed the Daughter of Charity or Sister Bertrille in the 1960s Flying Nun comedy sitcom.  In contrast to a nun’s conservative habit, Field’s attire included a large, almost winged, head covering.   Each time a wind came up it caused Sister Bertrille to lift off the ground and fly.  Clearly, it seems Sister Mary proved to be a little more ‘grounded.’

WWII and a TV Show

During WWII, Sister Mary Aquinas began training teachers through the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA). She often took her students on inspection tours through aircraft factories and airports.  As a consequence, this position took her to Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Madison, Wisconsin. Sister Aquinas appeared as herself in CBS network anthology series, The Pilot.  In the biographical episode of Westinghouse One, she is portrayed in the episode by actress Nancy Kelly.

The Air Force

Sister Mary became the first nun to pilot a jet aircraft. Accompanied by Major Chester A. Biedul, she piloted a T-33 from Madison to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Because of her “outstanding contributions to the advancement of Air Power in the interest of national security and world peace,” the United States Air Force gave her a special citation in 1957.   Sister Mary Aquinas passed away in 1985 at the age of 91.Fl