Born August 6, 1924, she was the daughter of John W. and Helen Crouthers Handy, and sister of the late John (Jack) and Elmer (Bus) Handy. Graduating Stratford HS in 1941, she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. Pat worked in Sikorsky Aircraft's engineering department where she became the first recognized American woman helicopter test pilot. During WW II, Pat was eager to join the Waves and earned her fixed wing pilot's license in Wingdale, NY. Pat was denied service due to her small stature. Pat earned her helicopter pilot's license in 1947 and became the second licensed female helicopter pilot in the US.
Pat entered the American Foreign Service in 1951 where during her three tours in the US Embassy in Moscow, Russia, she met husband Army SFC Sidney R. Swenson. Married in 1953, they honeymooned in Honolulu, Hawaii before stationing in Wellington, New Zealand and Tokyo, Japan.
Pat and Sid returned stateside where they restored an 18th century historic brick colonial in Redding, CT, raising their six children; Paul, Jon, Steven, Mary Elin, Anne, and Tom. Pat attained her GRI, worked for Fairfield Country RE, and become a successful real estate broker, retiring at 82. Pat moved south to Roswell, GA to be near daughter Anne, son-in-law Ken, and beloved granddaughters Jessica and Kelsey.
Pat was a Charter Member of the American Helicopter Society and a founding member of the Whirly Girls Helicopter Association. Active with the St. Patrick Ladies Guild, Pat was also a member of the Fairfield Gaelic Club. An avid reader and gardener, Pat cultivated vegetable and flower gardens throughout her life.
Pat is survived by her beloved daughter Anne Swenson Horowitz (Ken); her loving son Thomas (Michele); two granddaughters, Jessica (William) and Kelsey (Jeff) and three great-grandchildren, Lucas, Zachary, and Charlotte; sister-in-law Lore Handy and nephews Robert (Jul), David (Robyn), Michael, and Marc Handy.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Parish, Redding Ridge, CT, with the Reverend Joseph Cervero officiating. Burial will be in the Redding Ridge Cemetery, Redding.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the CT Chapter of Rosie the Riveter for the special Rosie Rose Garden at the Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford. Please contact Anne for further information.
