We've been transatlantic pen pals for 70 years and are now more like sisters

September 19, 2026

Two women from Scotland and Wisconsin have maintained an extraordinary pen pal friendship spanning seven decades after being connected through their Brownie groups in 1956. Kathleen Wilson from Glasgow and Shirley Yaeger from Wisconsin began corresponding as children aged 10 and 11, and have continued their regular communication through every major life stage, evolving from handwritten airmail letters to emails and now WhatsApp messages. Their bond became so meaningful that Kathleen named her daughter after her American friend 55 years ago, leading to the affectionate family nicknames "Shirley America" and "Shirley Scotland.

Who is affected

Kathleen Wilson (formerly Bonthron), 80, from Drumchapel/Lenzie, Scotland
Shirley Yaeger (formerly Hedtke), 81, from Wisconsin, USA
Kathleen's daughter Shirley (nicknamed "Shirley Scotland"), who was named after Shirley Yaeger
The families of both women who refer to the two Shirleys by their geographic nicknames

What action is being taken

The two women are currently communicating via WhatsApp as their preferred method of staying in touch.

Why it matters

This friendship demonstrates the enduring power of human connection across vast geographical and cultural distances, showing how a childhood pen pal relationship initiated through the Brownies can develop into a lifelong bond spanning seven decades. The relationship represents a living example of international friendship that has adapted through multiple technological eras and life stages, from childhood through to becoming pensioners, illustrating how meaningful connections can transcend borders and time.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC