Jeannette Piccard was the first American woman to gain a Balloon Pilot's Licence and, in 1934, was the first woman to fly into the stratosphere. Her husband Jean monitored the instruments and they took with them their pet turtle.
In the 1960s, Piccard worked as consultant to the Director of the Johnston Space Centre.
In 1971, Piccard was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church and became one of the first women priests at the age of 79.
She had a degree in Philosophy & Psychology, a Masters in Organic Chemistry and a PhD in Education.
Follow the link to see a video about the stratosphere flight narrated by Jeannette Piccard http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/105009664.html