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.
Thank you for answering the call when your country needed you most. Thank you for showing generations what courage looks like. We will remember you always
Citizenship is more than paperwork. America is built on sacrifice, loyalty, liberty, and love of country. Whether your family has been here for generations or you chose this nation as your home, being American means honoring the freedoms, responsibilities, and principles that made this country worth coming to in the first place. If someone despises America while enjoying her blessings, we'd like to remind them that planes and boats go both ways and they're free to leave any time!
🇺🇸I wasn’t born in America but I was reborn here as a free citizen. I cherish every freedom because I’ve lived without them under tyranny’s boot.
Lady Liberty’s torch still burns bright for those who defend her.
Happy 250th Birthday, America, the last best hope on Earth! 🔴⚪️🔵
Source: @dantvusa
The Founders didn’t fight a War for Independence so modern politicians could tell you which guns you’re “allowed” to own.
The right to keep and bear arms is not a government gift. It’s the safeguard of liberty.
Happy Independence Day. 🇺🇸
While today’s politicians pledge nothing and risk even less…
56 men in 1776 pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
And they delivered.
No empty virtue signals.
No safe spaces or excuses
Just raw courage and total commitment.
Zero defectors.
That’s how freedom was purchased.
We owe them everything. Never forget. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸