Naomi Parker Fraley, the woman believed the be the inspiration behind the Rosie the Riveter poster died today at 96 in hospice care.
Real Life Rosie the Riveter Dies at 96
“During World War II, Fraley was a factory worker at Alameda Naval Station, according to CNN affiliate KATU. She was one of the millions of women across the United States who filled the labor force during the war. While Fraley was working a press photographer approached her to take her picture.”
She was not recognized as the real Rosie the Riveter until 2015. It was believed the photo was of another woman until Fraley saw her likeness in the picture at a convention for women who worked during the war.
Let us mourn and celebrate the life of this incredible woman. According to her daughter-in-law Marnie Blankenship via CNN, “She didn’t think she did anything special. A lot of women did what she did. She just wanted her picture corrected.”
“The women of this country these days need some icons. If they think I’m one, I’m happy about that.”
Thank you for reminding us that we CAN do it, Naomi!
