Jeanne Gibson obit

Beloved 'Rosie the Riveter' dies at 100

 She was not on the list.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Jeanne Gibson, who represented the “Rosie the Riveter” campaign during World War II, died Thursday at age 100.

Pacific Historic Parks announced her death in a social media post the same day.

“Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Jeanne, especially her fellow Rosies and the many friends whose lives she touched,” the Facebook post read.

In 1944, when she was just 18-years-old, Jeanne left her Minnesota home to go and work as a welder in Seattle, helping build destroyers for the war effort.

She often traveled to Hawaii to share her experiences and participate in commemorative events at the Pearl Harbor Memorial with Pacific Historic Parks.

“Her warmth, encouragement, and enthusiasm made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of meeting her,” Pacific Historic Parks wrote. “She especially loved encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams and reminding them that they could achieve whatever they set their minds to.”

Gibson and her follow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2024 to recognize their contributions to the war effort.

It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to Jeanne Gibson, our beloved Rosie the Riveter, has passed away today, July 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. With her passing, we don't simply mourn the loss of a beloved friend, we honor the life of an American hero whose courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit helped shape history, and will continue to inspire generations to come.🕊️🇺🇸

At just 18 years old, Jeanne left her home in Minnesota in the summer of 1944 and answered her nation's call, becoming a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. With determination and grit, she helped build destroyers that strengthened the Allied war effort during World War II. She later continued her service with the Army Transportation Corps in Juneau, Alaska, embodying the resilience and patriotism of the Greatest Generation.

Yet Jeanne's legacy extended far beyond the war. She earned her Ph.D., dedicated three decades to teaching, earned her private pilot license, and spent the rest of her life proving that courage, determination, and purpose know no age.

In 2024, Jeanne and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest civilian honors, recognizing the extraordinary women whose sacrifices and determination helped secure victory during World War II.

To all of us at Pacific Historic Parks, Jeanne was far more than a Rosie, she was family. She traveled to Hawaiʻi time and again to share her remarkable story with visitors, inspire local students, and ensure that the sacrifices of the Home Front would never be forgotten. Her radiant smile, generous heart, and boundless enthusiasm touched every life she encountered.

She had a special gift for encouraging young girls, reminding them that no dream was too big and no obstacle too great. Through her words and her example, she inspired generations to believe in themselves and pursue lives of courage, service, and purpose.

Jeanne remained a tireless advocate for preserving the legacy of the Rosies, volunteering at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on "Rosie Fridays" and ensuring the stories of the women who helped win the war would continue to inspire future generations.

In one of life's poignant moments, just days before her passing, Jeanne was celebrated with a Wall of Honor banner at the park she loved so dearly and recognized during a San Jose Earthquakes halftime ceremony honoring Bay Area heroes. It was a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was defined by selfless service, quiet strength, and extraordinary grace.

Though Jeanne has taken her final flight, her legacy will never fade. It lives on in every story she shared, every young person she inspired, every life she touched, and in the enduring example of courage she leaves behind.

Our hearts are with Jeanne's family, her fellow Rosies, and all who were blessed to know and love her.

Rest in peace, Jeanne Gibson.