Though her days of jet-setting were behind her, the Arvida Village at the Park care team in Wellington wanted to celebrate Patsy’s incredible career in a way that would bring the magic of flight back into her life. They organised a visit from Air New Zealand crew; Lounge Delivery Leader - Megan Quirke, Lounge Leader - Andrea Barnes, and Flight Attendant - Linda Szeto.

Patsy was in her element with the flight crew which brought back great memories. In 1963, a 21-year-old Patsy was accepted for air hostess training at the National Airways Coronation in Wellington.

After many successful flights, she was an attendant on the first Boeing 737 jet aircraft and was one of six flight attendants to be chosen to accompany Queen Elizabeth and the Royal tour of New Zealand in 1970.

The village lounge was transformed into a first-class cabin while the Air New Zealand team, dressed in their crisp uniforms, greeted each resident.

“It was such a great opportunity to be invited to re-create the inflight experience for Patsy and her friends at the village. Seeing their faces light up was just a joy, it was a special moment to be a part of,” Lounge Delivery Leader, Megan Quirke said.

Recreating a flight for Patsy and her resident neighbours, the flight crew escorted them to their seats, showed a safety demonstration video and offered in-flight snacks. Patsy got to observe the familiar steps she had once performed herself.

When Patsy was asked if she’d like to help the crew with safety instructions, she said ‘No, let them do it. I’ve done it so many times.”

As Patsy watched the Air New Zealand crew move through the room to attend to passengers, she was transported back to the friendly skies. For a moment, those flight attendant memories came back again and she was soaring once more.