Born: January 5, 1895 (Chicago, Illinois)
Died: 1981
Biography:
Jeannette Ridlon Piccard was an adventurous and pioneering woman who made significant contributions to both the field of aviation and the clergy. Born on January 5, 1895, in Chicago, Illinois, Piccard was the daughter of Emily Caroline and John Frederick Ridlon, a prominent figure in the American Orthopaedic Association. With a profound interest in both science and religion, Piccard’s life was marked by a relentless pursuit of her passions, shattering barriers along the way.
Piccard’s fascination with aviation began early in life. She grew up in a family of accomplished balloonists, with her husband, Jean Piccard, being part of the renowned Piccard family of balloonists and the twin brother of Auguste Piccard. Jeannette would follow in their footsteps and become a history-maker herself. She became the first licensed female balloon pilot in the United States, cementing her place in the annals of aviation history.
On October 23, 1934, together with her husband Jean, Jeannette embarked on a record-breaking flight over Lake Erie. During this flight, she reached an astonishing height of 10.9 miles (17.5 km), which at the time set the women’s altitude record. This remarkable achievement solidified her status as a trailblazer in the field and earned her recognition as the first woman to fly to the stratosphere.
Jeannette Piccard’s contributions to the realm of aviation did not end with her record-breaking flight. After her husband’s passing in 1963, she took on the role of a consultant to the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. During this time, she played an essential role in engaging with the public, educating them about NASA’s work and advancements in space exploration. For her significant contributions to the field, she was posthumously inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1998.
Beyond her achievements in aviation, Piccard’s extraordinary journey took an unexpected turn later in life. In the late 1960s, she reclaimed her childhood interest in religion and ultimately became an Episcopal priest. In 1971, she was ordained as a deacon of the Episcopal Church, and three years later, on July 29, 1974, she became one of the Philadelphia Eleven – the first women to be ordained as priests at the time. These ordinations were somewhat controversial, performed by retired or resigned bishops, but they marked a pivotal moment for women’s participation in church leadership.
Although Jeannette Piccard encountered resistance in her religious pursuits, she persevered and shared her wisdom and experience with others. When confronted by the head of the church, Bishop John Allin, who asked her not to proceed with the ordination ceremony, the spirited Piccard cheekily responded, Sonny, I’m old enough to have changed your nappies. Her determination and dedication opened doors for women in the priesthood, leading to the church’s decision in September 1976 to allow women to become priests officially.
Throughout her life, Piccard broke barriers and challenged societal expectations. She aimed to expand the idea of what a respectable lady could achieve, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and determination. After her ordination, Piccard served as a priest in Saint Paul, Minnesota, until her passing at the age of 86.
Jeannette Ridlon Piccard’s life can be summarized by her desire to combine her passions for science, aviation, and religion. Her accomplishments as a high-altitude balloonist and her role as one of the first women to be ordained as a priest were testaments to her unwavering spirit and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and pushing boundaries.
Awards:
– Inducted posthumously into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1998.