Norman Rockwell Museum is saddened to learn of the passing of Mary Doyle Keefe, the original model for Norman Rockwell's iconic "Rosie The Riveter" painting, at age 92.
Ms. Keefe was a neighbor of Rockwell's in Arlington, Vermont, when he called on the 19-year old telephone operator to pose for the illustration that appeared on the cover of "The Saturday Evening Post" on May 29, 1943. The artist apologized for making her arms and shoulders much larger than they were in-person, but Keefe seemed to take it in stride. Her image became a symbol for millions of American women who went to work during World War II. The original painting is part of the permanent collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Keefe was a good friend to Norman Rockwell Museum, where she shared her experience and memories of posing for Rockwell on several occasions (most recently, at our Models Reunion in July 2013). She was always very gracious with her time, posing for visitors' photos or signing autographs. Recently, her granddaughter Hillary even interned here at the Museum.
We send our condolences to her family and friends.
RIP Rosie The Riveter
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Bob Juch
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RIP Rosie The Riveter
I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
- Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up, he'll never be able to drive in New Jersey.
- Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001)
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up, he'll never be able to drive in New Jersey.