Jean "Sunny" Schiffmann

1924 - 2020

Jean "Sunny" Schiffmann obituary, 1924-2020, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1924

DIED

2020

Jean Schiffmann Obituary


JEAN ”SUNNY” SCHIFFMANN
September 11, 1924 ˜ March 1,
2020

Jean “Sunny” Schiffmann, beloved wife, mother, friend and aviator, was born September 11, 1924 in River Falls, WI and died March 1, 2020 in Vancouver, WA.
Nicknamed for her “Sunny” disposition, Jean was a source of unconditional love, praise and positive affirmation for her four sons Karl, Erich, Jan and Franz.
Sunny’s honesty, integrity, strength and pioneering career interests made her a role model for both women and men.
Sunny had a relentless passion for aviation, which she shared with her husband Charles (“Pat”). She told hair-raising tales of her service as an “Aircraft Communicator” under the Civil Aeronautics Administration during World War II. She took her first flight in 1944, received her Private Pilot’s Certificate in 1950, and went on to hold various ratings (including multi-engine and seaplane) and a commercial certificate, before receiving the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. In addition to cross-country air racing, her favorite aviation activity was flight instruction. She was adored by her students, many of whom subsequently became family friends.
She flew her own airplane until age 87, and was a flight instructor until age 91. Sunny started playing tennis in her 60’s and played until age 93! She participated in tournaments at Club Green Meadows, VTC, Wyoming USTA Old Fossils and even a national tournament in her 90s. Sunny attended Living Hope Church for 15 years and Orchards United Methodist Church for 2 years, both in Vancouver.
Sunny is survived by her sister, Margery Cheaney; her four sons; her grandchildren, Alyssa, Nikolaus and Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Scarlett Grace and Grayson, all of whom miss her dearly.
A celebration of life memorial is being planned.
An online site is available where you can record your memories. It is at https://everloved.com/life-of/jean-sunny-schiffmann/ and www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Mar. 22, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Our very sincere condolences.

John Nursall

April 3, 2020

We so enjoyed her when she was at Living Hope, when I was on the Pastoral staff. My mother sends her greetings and would sit with her at Living Hope on Saturday evenings. My mom thoroughly enjoyed hearing her stories of flying and life. Our condolences to the family.
The Kelly family of Mark & mom Ruby.

Mark Kelly

March 24, 2020

I met Sunny at Torrance airport (TOA) in 1979 which is now called Zamperini Field. I was a brand new flight instructor and pleased that there was another female. I would listen to her give pre and post flight briefings to her students who were often those who other instructors had given up on. She was my model and a mentor and I hope I absorbed and emulated all of her best qualities. She made time, even if she was in a time crunch. Blue skies, Sunny!

Cathy Babis

March 24, 2020

I have fond memories of Jean in the Aviation community of Torrance. She gave me my check ride in my 210. She was a wonderful friend and a terrific pilot.

Ginger Graham

March 22, 2020

We have known Jean since she first moved into our neighborhood in Battle Ground. We cherish the memory of her and our many conversations. Very proud to have known her. She is missed.

Ken & Julie Love

Ken & Julie Love

March 22, 2020

My dear friend, my mentor, someone I idolized, respected and loved. We worked, flew, laughed and played together for many years. I know she had a wonderful full life, a loving husband Pat and 4 wonderful sons. I had the privilege of having her as a flight instructor at our Cessna school.. Southwest Skyways. She touched everyone, and was loved by all. There is not enough room for all my stories of life around Sunny..She will be missed, but her memory will always be part of my life. I would not be where I am today without her guidance Karen Sherman

Karen Sherman

March 22, 2020

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