Wally Funk, North Texas astronaut and aviation pioneer, dies at 87

Wally Funk, a Grapevine woman who broke barriers as an astronaut and an aviation pioneer, has died. She was 87 years old.Aviation Pioneer’s PassingFunk died on Wednesday night surrounded by loved ones, according to the city of Grapevine.Grapevine leaders called Funk a beloved resident whose extraordinary accomplishments and generous spirit left an enduring legacy."Wally Funk’s unwavering determination proves that dreams have no expiration date," said Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell. "Her courage, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire young people—especially girls—to pursue careers in science, aviation, and space exploration. Grapevine is honored to call Wally Funk one of our own." Wally Funk in SpaceIn 2021, Funk achieved her lifelong dream of going to space with Jeff Bezos as part of the first human space flight of the Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft.She was 82 years old at the time and became the oldest woman to travel to space."Nothing has ever g