Eleanor Cardoza Welch

The American Wahini Eleanor Cardoza Welch

Growing up in Hawaii, experiencing the attack on Pearl Harbor at the age of 12, and meeting her future husband, a sailor in the Navy, when she worked as a waitress at the age of 14-all helped to shape and define Ellie Welch. In 1948, she left her family and friends in Hawaii and moved to Miami with her husband, Kenneth. Together they raised their family of four children. In 1956 they moved to Melbourne and helped pioneer the space program. At the age of 87, Ellie reflects on her life, remembering national events and sharing some of her favorite things.