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Nov 05, 2024

Cayman's first female air traffic controller remembered at service - Cayman Compass

The life, service and achievements of Cayman’s first female air traffic controller has been celebrated at a thanksgiving service held on Saturday at Elmslie Memorial Church. Zoe Emily Bodden died on

The life, service and achievements of Cayman’s first female air traffic controller has been celebrated at a thanksgiving service held on Saturday at Elmslie Memorial Church.

Zoe Emily Bodden died on 11 Oct., aged 87, after a long illness.

Bodden began her career in aviation in 1966 as an airline ticket agent for LACSA/Cayman Brac Airways, which would lay the foundation for a life of breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for women.

Bodden became the first female air traffic controller in the Cayman Islands following nine months of training in Trinidad and a few weeks in Jamaica.

She was among several student pilots enrolled in Cayman’s new flying school in 1968, meeting weekly in Ground School classes to equip them for navigating touch-and-go landings, traffic patterns and radio communications. Those enrolled included David Foster, Jill Bodden, Maurice Muse, Billy Adam, Graham Ebanks, Ned Solomon, Carlton Bodden, Peter Milburn and William Turner.

She would continue on to pursue flight training in 1976, gaining 20 hours to complement her air traffic control career. She was promoted to airport officer on 1 Sept. 1980, appointed as chief airport officer on 1 Jan. 1982 and appointed an ‘authorised officer’ by the governor in July 1984.

Bodden was then promoted to airport manager on 18 April 1993. She also served as acting senior air traffic control officer when needed. Bodden retired after 31 years of service on 1 Sept. 1998 but continued working part-time until 2000.

Recognising over 40 years of dedicated service to the aviation industry, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands noted in a tribute, “she not only shaped the path for future generations but also inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue their dreams in aviation”.

“Her passion for aviation extended to her own pursuit of flying training to complement her air traffic control career, demonstrating that learning is a lifelong journey. Her leadership as an air traffic control supervisor and appointment to Airport Manager showcased her commitment to excellence, fostering an environment where others could thrive,” CAACI wrote.

“Her legacy is one of courage and perseverance, inspiring women to take their place in a traditionally male-dominated field. We honour not just her accomplishments, but the countless lives she has touched along the way. We thank her for her service and for blazing a trail that many will follow. Her impact on aviation will be felt for generations to come.”

Throughout her career at CAACI, Bodden also served as a mentor, helping to build the next generation of aviators, including Richard Smith, director-general of civil aviation.

Former acting airports chief executive Kerith McCoy commenced work as a trainee air traffic controller in July 1976 under Bodden and senior controller Sheldon Hislop. He reflected on Bodden’s mentorship both professionally and personally.

“Her faith was always prominent, and she was always eager to share guidance and advice. She became somewhat of a gentle but firm ‘mother figure’ to me as a young man. The professionalism imparted by her and Mr. Hislop became my standard throughout my career. Miss Zoe will be greatly missed,” McCoy said to the Compass by e-mail.

Pilot Leanni Tibbetts told the Compass, “It would be an understatement to say that her achievements inspire me.

“Her contributions to the aviation industry and her role as a pioneer for women in this field are truly remarkable. As a young Caymanian and the fourth female pilot for Cayman Airways, I am profoundly grateful for her work, which has opened doors for women like myself. Inspired by Mrs. Zoe, I aim to be a trailblazer for other young women as I embark on my journey as a pilot and with my newly founded aviation consultancy, P31 Agency. I am deeply thankful for her legacy, which has paved the way for individuals like me.”

Beyond her career in aviation, Bodden was a devote Christian who became a member of Elmslie Memorial Church at age 13.

“She was a beautiful lady, inside and out, humble, gentle and kind, a friend to everyone and someone who loved the Lord,” according to a church statement sent to the Cayman Compass.

Over the years, Bodden served in various capacities at the church, including a Sunday school teacher, youth leader and as the organist.

“Zoe always liked music and sang in the choir … Often, she would play the organ together with a number of others on the piano. She also helped with the children’s choir when it was formed and would faithfully turn up to each practice,” the church noted.

She was also heavily involved with the Cayman Keswick Convention since its inception in 1974, attended several mission trips with the church in the 1980s, and assisted in the community services organised by the church.

The church noted, “Zoe was committed to her church, her ministries and, most of all, to her Lord. Her life has been a blessing to so many, young and old, over the years. She is someone who will be sorely missed because of both the influence she has had and because of her gently kind, caring nature.”

For her sister, Elizabeth Arch, “DoDo, as we all called her, was the most generous, loving and devoted person anyone could have as a sister. She was 7 years older than me, and she used to keep an eye on me all the time as she said I was the facety one.”

She noted, “I will always remember the goodness, the love and affection you showed my children and grandchildren. They all loved and respected you. My dearest sister, I will always love and miss you.”

Left to mourn her passing are Elizabeth, her brother Ernest Bodden, sisters-in-law Diana Bodden and Sandra Bodden, brother-in-law David Arch Sr., nieces, nephews, a host of special friends and her church family.