Moya Olsen Lear, 1915-2001
Moya Olsen Lear was an American businesswoman who married aviation pioneer Bill Lear in 1942. Much of their
life together revolved around his career as an inventor, especially in aviation electronics. After her husband’s
death in 1978, Moya became chairman of the board of the multi-million dollar Lear Avia Corporation.
The daughter of Olsen of the comedy team Olsen and Johnson, Moya was comfortable among dignitaries and
crowds. She threw heart and soul into carrying on, both emotionally and financially, Bill’s last, great, unfinished
project – the “LearFan,” an innovative, lightweight business jet. Despite financial setbacks, the airplane was
completed; however, it never went into production. She remained an important and beloved philanthropist in Reno
until her death. Carrying on the legacy of her husband and embracing the field of aviation as her own would
endear her to anyone with a pioneer spirit.
Moya Olsen Lear was an American businesswoman who married aviation pioneer Bill Lear in 1942. Much of their
life together revolved around his career as an inventor, especially in aviation electronics. After her husband’s
death in 1978, Moya became chairman of the board of the multi-million dollar Lear Avia Corporation.
The daughter of Olsen of the comedy team Olsen and Johnson, Moya was comfortable among dignitaries and
crowds. She threw heart and soul into carrying on, both emotionally and financially, Bill’s last, great, unfinished
project – the “LearFan,” an innovative, lightweight business jet. Despite financial setbacks, the airplane was
completed; however, it never went into production. She remained an important and beloved philanthropist in Reno
until her death. Carrying on the legacy of her husband and embracing the field of aviation as her own would
endear her to anyone with a pioneer spirit.
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