It’s a sad day for the space community as we say goodbye to Wally Funk, the last surviving member of the Mercury 13 and the oldest woman to ever travel to space. Funk passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy that is as vast as the universe itself.
Mary Wallace Funk (February 1, 1939 – July 8, 2026) was an American aviator, commercial astronaut, and goodwill ambassador. She was the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, the first female civilian flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and …
For those who might not know, the Mercury 13 were a group of 13 women who underwent the same rigorous training as the male astronauts in the early 1960s. They were the pioneers of women in space, proving that the sky was not the limit, but merely a starting point. Wally Funk was one of the most prominent figures in this group, and her passion for aviation and space was evident from an early age.
Born in 1939 in Taft, California, Funk was a natural-born adventurer. She earned her private pilot license at 17, making her the youngest woman to do so at the time. Talk about a high-flyer! She didn’t stop there; she went on to earn her commercial pilot’s license and even became an instructor. If you thought your driving lessons were tough, try learning to fly a plane with Funk as your teacher!
However, despite her impressive credentials, Funk faced significant barriers. The Mercury 13 program was ultimately canceled, and while the men went on to become household names, the women were left in the dust. Funk, however, never let that deter her spirit. She continued to advocate for women in aviation and space, reminding the world that women could do anything men could do—and often better!
Fast forward to 2021, and Funk finally got her chance to go to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. At 82, she became the oldest person to reach space, fulfilling a lifelong dream. It was a moment that not only celebrated her personal achievements but also highlighted the importance of female representation in fields that have been historically dominated by men.
Wally Funk was more than just the last of the Mercury 13; she was a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope for aspiring astronauts everywhere. Her journey through the cosmos serves as a reminder that age is just a number, and that dreams can indeed come true—no matter how long it takes.
As we reflect on her remarkable life, let’s remember Funk not just for her achievements, but for her unwavering spirit and her belief that the sky is not the limit. So here’s to Wally Funk, a true pioneer, who taught us all to reach for the stars and to never, ever give up on our dreams.
Rest in peace, Wally. You’ve earned your place among the stars.
Inspired by: “Wally Funk, last of Mercury 13 and oldest woman in space, dies at 87” (r/technology)
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