NormaLea Fraley McKown passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Curry House Assisted Living in Cadillac, Michigan.
NormaLea ( Lea ) was born to George W. Fraley and Thelma Winningham Fraley on February 24, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois. Lea lived in various Chicago suburbs including Crystal Lake and Arlington Heights. She also lived in St. Augustine, Florida for a period of time.
Lea was involved in debate and theater during high school. After various clerical jobs and modeling, she became a stewardess for American Airlines, during a time when many famous people and celebrities flew the public airways.
She entertained her family and friends over the years with exciting, hysterical, and daring stories of flying in the early 1950s. Lea received many commendations for her excellent service to passengers and courageous acts during emergency landings. She met the love of her life, Edward O Neil McKown, Jr. who was a Captain for American Airlines. Lea and Ed married in 1952 and made a ho