Elizabeth V. 'Susie' Sewell

Elizabeth V. (Susie) Sewell passed away Friday, November 8, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 19, 1924 to John and Lucille Sewell. Her brothers John Jr., Edward, and Gordon preceded her in death but in life they gave her a drive and zest for life like no other. During her time in Tulsa, where her father worked for Skelly Oil Company, is where her interest in aviation was first sparked. The owner of Skelly Oil also owned Spartan Aircraft and the royal symbol on the back of the seats made her feel like she was part of royalty. In 1944 she got her first job in aviation and started flying lessons at Nuckols Airport. In 1947 she was awarded Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship which helped her obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor Rating. She studied Business Law, Corporate Finance and Business Management at the University of Oklahoma and became Secretary/Treasurer for Catlin aviation moving up to Operations manager, acting general manager and when it expanded its services to a Piper distributorship she became one of the first women to be on the Distributors Advisory Council helping Piper make decisions for aircraft improvements. In 1954, at the international convention, Elizabeth presented a plan for establishing the Ninety-Nines' first headquarters office to be located in Oklahoma. After serving as International President in 1972, Elizabeth served as Ex Officio member, on the Board of Directors (2yr), as Trustee of Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund and as Treasurer (7yrs) and from 1969 to present as insurance chairman to Ninety Nines Flying events. In 1983, Elizabeth decided to sell her interest in ADC and pursue her interest in aviation insurance. She became the first woman agent in Oklahoma for National Aviation Underwriters of St. Louis. She retired in 1991. Elizabeth once said," If I helped to open some doors in aviation for others to follow, I will be pleased to cheer them on". Her love of finance helped her to form the Lucky 13 investment club which she dearly loved and continues to thrive to this day. Elizabeth is survived by her nieces and nephews: Judy Mazzarola, Edward Sewell, Lucy Doane, William Sewell, Janet Lawton, Phillip Sewell, Mary Sewell-James, Susan Bowman and Jim Chupunida, cousin Bob Snyder and wife Elaine who watched over her for so long. She is also preceded in death by her best friends Mary Louise Pittman and Bernita Evans. The family would like to thank her doctor and family friend Dr. Pittman (who used to affectionately call her Aunt Libby) and her wonderful caregiver Debra Jo. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Excell Hospice Team who so lovingly cared for her at the end. A viewing will be held Sunday, November 10, 2013 at Smith & Kernke from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 11, 2013 at 2 p.m. at All Souls' Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth's name to Ninety-Nines, Oklahoma Chapter.