Carolyn J. “Skipper” Van Newkirk, Ed. D.  age 87, of York, died at 1:15 PM Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Wellspan York Hospital. She was the wife of the late Jack C. Van Newkirk, PhD.

Born September 22, 1937, in Ephrata, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Thelma (Watkins) Harris.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester State Teachers College (where she recently received a Distinguished Alumni Award), and Master’s and Doctorate in Education Administration from William and Mary College.  She had over 40 plus years in education and retired as the Lower School Principal of Beth Tfiloh Community Day School in Baltimore.

 She earned her Private Pilots License at age 50 and was a member of Ninety-Nines, Inc. International Organization of Women Pilots where she competed in 25 aviation races and has landed in all 48 contiguous United States and Canada.  She also served on the Board of Directors of the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority which operates Harrisburg International Airport, Capital City Airport, Gettysburg Regional Airport, and Franklin County Regional Airport.

Dr. Van Newkirk is survived by a son, David C. Van Newkirk, of Dover, Delaware; a daughter, Lauri L. Altman, and her husband Philip, of Belcamp, Maryland; one grandson, Jess and two granddaughters Nicole, and Sydney. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Albert S. Harris.

A visitation is scheduled for 9:00-11:00 AM Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to encourage young adults with aviation interests to Gettysburg Barnstormers, c/o Karen Radzoni Treasurer, 450 Shrivers Corner Road, Gettysburg PA 17325; or to encourage women in aviation to Air Race Classic, 713 Mathews Street, Fort Collins CO 80524.