Gail Gorski

BURLINGAME, Calif. – Gail Gorski, 63, of Burlingame, formerly of the area, passed away Monday, July 20, 2015, due to heart-related complications.

Gail was a 747 captain for United Airlines. She was the first female pilot hired by United in 1978, and her career helped pave the way for women in aviation. She began flying at 16 and pursued her dream of being a pilot at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she later was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. She spent a year at the University of Louisville, when she was named the Kentucky Derby Queen in 1972.

When Gail wasn’t flying, she spent time with her friends and family, enjoying good red wine, boating in the Bay area, cheering on the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers and throwing dinner parties. She touched those who knew her with her carefree spirit and warm smile.

She is survived by her mother, Juliet Gorski; brother, Tom Gorski; and daughter, Stacy Schlicht.

A private celebration of life event will be held in Gail’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made at iswap.org for The International Society of Women’s Airline Pilots or woundedwarriorproject.org for the Wounded Warrior Project.