Mary Aquinas Kinskey

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.[1]

Kinskey was photographed during a wartime PR campaign illustrating various women's contributions to the war effort. These photographs taken by photographer Ann Rosener have been archived by the Library of Congress[2]

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 premiered in 1967.[3]

On November 12, 1956, Kinskey appeared as herself in "The Pilot," a biographical episode of the CBS Television Network anthology series "Westinghouse Studio One." She is portrayed in the episode by Nancy Kelly.

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.” [4]

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 on October 20, 1985.[1]