Representatives In Memoriam

Representatives in Memoriam

Elaine Barber

Elaine Barber (71) of Kent, CT, a lover of animals, world traveler, accomplished cook, avid reader, known for her southern wit, charm, and spicy aphoristic language, died suddenly on July 17th.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, but grew up in South Pittsburgh and Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Vanderbilt University on an academic scholarship, but had to withdraw for financial reasons. After leaving Vandy she joined Equitable Securities helping do the underwriting research to take American Express public, and later ran their trading room.

Wanting to leave home she joined American Airlines as a flight attendant. She rose to executive positions in the flight attendants union, and attended the Cornell School of Law and Industrial and Labor Relations. As Vice President of APFA she represented 23,000 members in all conflict resolution and was a spokesperson for the union in labor negotiations with the American Airlines.

She was a leader in the famous Thanksgiving Day strike, the first successful flight attendant strike against an airline that was settled in part by an intervention by President Clinton. She was a guest at the White House and became a member of the Women’s Leadership Council. APFA presented her with the Congresswoman Martha W. Griffiths’ Award for her service to the union and her fight against discrimination both against flight attendants and women, their highest honor.

In Kent she was a member of the Democratic Town Committee and a supporter of Women’s Support Services of Sharon, and Kent Cats, a rescue and adoption service, and a member of St. Andrew’s Parish. She was a proud associate member of The Players Club, The Blue Hill Troupe and The Publishers’ Publicity Founders, to whom she often loaned her husband. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of those organizations. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Richard Barber, numerous nieces, nephews, two grandnieces, many godchildren, and two beloved rescue cats, Birdie and Andre.

Carol Behling

Carol Behling passed away in April 2012 from complications related to diabetes. Her passing was gentle and very peaceful and she was surrounded by all of those who have been privileged to travel this journey with her. She fought this illness for a very long time….but, always, with a smile and a positive attitude!

Carol did a great deal of work for APFA retirees and those preparing to retire. She put together the definitive booklet of contacts for retirees as well as a long checklist of things to do and not do as flight attendants prepare to retire.

Her work has helped thousands of flight attendants avoid the many pitfalls that line the path to retirement. Her knowledge, skills and dedication to helping others will be sorely missed.

Greg Gunter

Those who had the privilege to know and work with Greg will remember forever his infectious smile and generous spirit. Greg was a tremendous Flight Attendant and Union representative. Indeed, our APFA family, American Airlines, the aviation industry, and the labor movement lost someone very special today.

As an APFA rep., Greg held sacred the responsibility of managing the dues dollars of his 25,000 sisters and brothers. Prior to his tenure as National Treasurer, he served with distinction as a member of the APFA Executive Committee, Budget Committee, and Board of Directors. Throughout his career at American, which began in 1987, he was based at Boston, New York, and Miami.

Greg is survived by his identical twin brother Craig, an American Airlines Flight Attendant based in Philadelphia, as well as his sister Leslie and his mother Marjorie. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Kristen Gunter and Duncan, Lauren, Shannon, and Collin MacPherson.

On behalf of the entire staff at APFA headquarters, as well as the friends he made all over the world during a life that was altogether too short, we bid a farewell to Flight Attendant Greg Gunter.

Martha “Marti” O’Rourke

On Saturday January 8, 2011 we suffered the loss of longtime union advocate Martha “Marti” O’Rourke. APFA extends heart-felt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Marti’s union involvement has spanned the past four decades. Starting from the mid 1960’s to sitting on the Board of an ongoing arbitration currently making its way through the System Board of Adjustments. Laura Glading is joined by past APFA President’s who together mark the many contributions Marti has made to our organization.

Beginning with the Air Line Steward and Stewardesses Association (ALSSA), Local 550 Transport Workers Union, Air Transport Division (TWU-ATD), which represented the Flight Attendant groups of American, TWA, Eastern, Southern, CaribAir, and Northwest, Marti sat on the LGA council from 1967-1968, was elected BUF Chairperson 1968-1972, elected SAN Chairperson 1972-1973, and ALSSA President from 1973-1974.

When TWU chartered Local 552 to represent American Airlines Flight Attendants in 1974, Marti sat as the interim President through the transition. She then went on to serve in several capacities within Local 552 including the International Executive council of TWU from 1973-1977.

Marti negotiated the first International agreement with AAL in 1970, the Basic Agreement with AAL in 1971 an in 1974. Then in 1980 she was elected Vice President of APFA for a two-year term.

Marti had a quiet understanding of the issues with the ability to tap into any argument with a strong voice that championed the labor movement. She was always available for the membership regardless of political views – a truly selfless advocate. She will be sorely missed.

Remembering Marti O'Rourke: Words from Past APFA Presidents

“Marti was a long term union activist and champion of fairness in the workplace. Dedication should have been her middle name.”
Patt Gibbs

“Marti worked diligently throughout her career. She had the ability of maintaining a calm demeanor and always seemed to operate without ego. When called upon by Officers or members she remained ready and willing to assist.”
Kathy Knoop

“Marti rose to the position of Senior Statesperson of the Flight Attendant Union serving in numerous positions providing reliable knowledge and expertise to benefit the position and status of the Flight Attendant core. She continually rose above politics, regardless of her personal position on issues, to assist in achieving the best possible outcomes for the membership. We, the Flight Attendants, APFA and American Airlines have benefited greatly from all of the contributions and sacrifices she so willingly made to create a safer, more professional work environment for us all.”
Joann Donova

“Marti gladly participated when called on to assist whether with contract negotiations, System Board cases or in the resolution of issues which arose throughout her career. She willingly provided advice and candid assessments in circumstances involving American Airlines management, the Federal Government, other Unions and fellow members.”
Michael Kelliher

“If there is an outstanding attribute above all else that I could use to personify Marti, it would be to say she was the epitome of team spirit. She energetically participated in many events involving leaders, negotiators and past leaders and thoughtfully shared her opinion without bias or political agenda. No greater trait can be attributed to one of our past leaders. Marti’s friendship and leadership will be truly missed.”
Denise Hedges

“Martha O’Rourke was a very special human being who had the incredible skill of being able to focus both on her family and personal life, while also being committed to challenging professional leadership responsibilities. I will always remember Marti’s bright spirit – that was quite infectious to those around her – even during stressful times. Marti was a strong role model who’s ëlife work’ clearly showed that one person can make a difference in many different ways!”
Tommie L. Hutto-Blake

“I can’t even begin to summarize the many outstanding attributes of Marti O’Rourke, an outstanding union advocate and friend to all. She is one of those unique individuals that steps forward for no gain other than for those she champions. Her willingness to put her life on hold to advance labor’s cause, in any capacity, has been a true gift to which not just APFA but other organizations have benefited. Any issue with which she has collaborated was inevitably made better because of her expertise and commitment.”
Laura Glading