Suzanne Parish facts for kids

Suzanne "Sue" Upjohn DeLano Parish (born November 13, 1922 – died May 12, 2010) was an amazing American pilot. She was a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II. In 1977, Sue and her husband, Pete Parish, started the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. This museum later became famous as the Air Zoo. It got its name because planes were often called by animal nicknames.

Early Life and Learning to Fly

Sue Parish was born in New York City. Her mother was Dorothy Upjohn DeLano Dalton. Her father was H. Allan DeLano. Sue's grandfather, William E. Upjohn, founded The Upjohn Company. This company made medicines in Michigan.

In 1942, Sue went to Sarah Lawrence College. She learned to fly a plane in 1941 when she was only 19 years old. By the time she was 21, she had spent 350 hours flying!

Flying for Her Country

Joining the WASPs

When Sue was 21, she joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). The WASPs were a special group of women pilots. They flew planes for the United States military during World War II. Sue was part of the 44-W-6 class. She was stationed at Bryan Army Air Base in Bryan, Texas. There, she flew different types of planes. These included the P-40, AT-6, and BT-13.

After World War II

After the war, Sue wanted to become a commercial pilot. But she could not find a job. In 1948, she married Pete Parish. They had five children. Sue became a full-time mom.

In 1958, her husband bought part of a small plane. It was a 35C Bonanza. Sue decided to start flying again. Soon, she and Pete bought more planes. They owned a Stearman, an AT-6, and a Grumman Wildcat. The last plane they bought was a P-40.

In 1971, Sue became Vice President of Kal-Aero, Inc. This was a company she and her husband started in Kalamazoo.

Starting the Air Zoo

In 1977, Sue and Pete Parish started the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum. It was located near the airport in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This museum became known as the Air Zoo. Their own collection of planes was the main part of the museum.

Flying in Air Shows

Sue Parish's flight suit and hat at the Air Zoo

Sue Parish flew a special pink P-40 Warhawk in many air shows. She did this for over 25 years! She kept flying into her 70s. In October 1993, she flew the P-40 for the last time. She decided the G-forces were too strong for her. But she continued to fly her Beechcraft Beechcraft T-34 Mentor plane.

Sue Parish's Legacy

Parish's Curtiss P-40 Warhawk at the Air Zoo

Sue's famous pink P-40 plane now hangs in the entrance of the Air Zoo. It is a reminder of her amazing flying career.

Personal Life

Sue Parish married Preston "Pete" Parish in 1948. They had two daughters, Barbie and Katie. They also had three sons, Will, Pres, and Dave. Sue also had 14 grandchildren. Her marriage ended in 1991.

Her Passing

Sue Parish passed away on May 13, 2010. She died at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, California.

Honors and Recognition

On November 2, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a law. This law gave the WASP pilots military veteran status. Before this, they were considered civilians. In July 2009, President Barack Obama signed another bill. This bill gave the WASPs the Congressional Gold Medal. It was a very special honor for their service.