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Mary Doyle Keefe
1922 - 2015
Mary Doyle Keefe
1922 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1922
DIED
2015
Mary Doyle Keefe Obituary
Keefe died Tuesday in Connecticut, after a brief illness, said her daughter, Mary Ellen Keefe.
Keefe grew up in Vermont, where she met Rockwell and posed for his painting when she was a 19-year-old telephone operator. The painting was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943.
Although Keefe was petite, Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter had large arms, hands and shoulders. The painting shows the red-haired Rosie in blue jean work overalls sitting down, with a sandwich in her left hand, her right arm atop a lunchbox with the name "Rosie" on it, a rivet gun on her lap and her feet resting on a copy of Adolf Hitler's manifesto "Mein Kampf." The entire background is a waving American flag.
Rockwell wanted Rosie to show strength and modeled her body on Michelangelo's Isaiah, which is on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Keefe, who never riveted herself, was paid $5 for each of two mornings she posed for Rockwell and his photographer, Gene Pelham, whose pictures Rockwell used when he painted.
"You sit there and he takes all these pictures," Keefe told The Associated Press in 2002. "They called me again to come back because he wanted me in a blue shirt and asked if I could wear penny loafers."
Twenty-four years after she posed, Rockwell sent her a letter calling her the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and apologizing for the hefty body in the painting.
"I did have to make you into a sort of a giant," he wrote.
The Rosie painting — not to be confused with a poster by a Pittsburgh artist depicting a woman flexing her arm under the words "We Can Do It" — would later be used in a nationwide effort to sell war bonds.
The painting is now part of the permanent collection at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
DAVE COLLINS, Associated Press
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
45 Entries
Brenda
May 4, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Doyle Keefe will be fondly remembered with appreciation for her dedication and commitment during a difficult time and for all the lives she has touched throughout the decades. Please allow the Sovereign of all the universe to be your refuge and your strength as you face each day without your cherished loved one.
michelle plakas-kaiser
April 30, 2015
rip
C W
April 28, 2015
I would like to express my sincere condolences for your great loss. Please take comfort in drawing close to God in prayer, knowing that he cares about you and is there to help you cope (Psalm 34:17,18, Philippians 4:6,7). Someday soon there will be no more death and we will live on an earth where God will fulfill our every desire (Psalms 37:29). Until that time, I pray that those close to the deceased find strength and comfort in each other.
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April 27, 2015
I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a well-renowned woman. My petition is that God comforts all those who already miss her presence and grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Cherish the memories and you have many pleasant ones to cherish.
ER
April 27, 2015
You will live on forever to inspire us all as Rosie. God bless.
April 26, 2015
To the family of Mary Doyle Keefe sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you rely on the God of comfort and all your beautiful memories to sustain you.
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
April 25, 2015
My prayers, thoughts & deep condolences go out to the family, friends and collegues of Mary Doyle Keefe. She was a true American icon and her memory will live on in that unforgettable image. May she rest in eternal peace.
April 25, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May the God of all comfort, provide your family with the needed strength to endure the loss of your love one.
Franciena
April 24, 2015
It is so sad to see love ones die. May the God of comfort be with the family. Isaiah 43:11
Melodie
April 24, 2015
God has called you home, may you rest in is heavenly arms. You left a mark in this world that will live on in our hearts , god mbless you and your family,
April 23, 2015
Dear Keefe family,
I am saddened To hear the death of such an iconic women in history. Her poster " we can do it" was widely recognized around the world. As your hearts ache may you keep in mind, Gods loving word found in Psalm 147:3.. " he heals the brokenhearted, he binds up the wounds."
D Tyler
April 23, 2015
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I wish to extend my deep sincere condolences to your family at this most difficult time by his promise that no persons will say I am sick. Isaiah33:24.And your family and friends I know have great memories to share.
Peter Skoler
April 23, 2015
Dear Nemo
So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing, she sounds like quite a great lady. I hope you are doing ok and hope to see you sometime soon.
Fondly
Skols
Harry Simpson
April 23, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. God Bless and Godspeed.
Michelle
April 23, 2015
My sympathies to the family in your loss. May the God of all comfort (Psalm 83:18) give your family the strength and comfort you need to cope during this difficult time.
A
April 23, 2015
My condolence to the family. May fond memories keep them alive in your hearts. Find comfort in knowing God understands our grief and He cares. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
April 23, 2015
Thank you for your unique contribution to Americana, our culture, art, and WW II. Condolences to family and friends.
Becky
April 23, 2015
My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3
Wright
April 23, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.She lives on in art, but more in your heart, May the God of comfort and peace, strengthen you as you cope wwith the loss of your dear loved one.
JLW
April 23, 2015
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear mother. We are never prepared for the death of a loved one, no matter what age they may be. I know your mother's beautiful memories will live on in your heart. And may the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
April 23, 2015
I love the story behind the painting. Thank you Mary for agreeing to model for Norman Rockwell - Wow! I have dressed as Rosie the Riveter for Halloween over the past several years and I don't hesitate to tell other's about what Rosie represents not only for our Nation, but for working women everywhere!. Mary, may God grant you and your family His love and peace.
Barbara Struhs
Salt Lake City, UT
April 23, 2015
My condolences to the Keefe Family for your loss and may the many wonderful memories of her bring comfort and peace to you (Jeremiah 29:11) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Laura Taff
April 23, 2015
Thank you Mary Doyle for all the spunk you have shown through out your years. May God bless your family. What a beautiful lady inside and out.
April 23, 2015
Very sad news to hear about her passing. I hope to meet her in Paradise.
Tom Reese
April 23, 2015
My mom built torpedoes in World War 2, and when I think of that, Mary's poster comes to mind. She did a wonderful thing through Norman Rockwell. God bless the family during this time.
April 23, 2015
To you all,
Mary will always be one of my favorite interviews. I remember leaving after talking to her and wishing I had know her in her younger days. She had such spirit. Know for sure you have another angel watching over you all. Sincerely, Maryellen Fillo, The Hartford Courant.
John
April 23, 2015
She'll be with us forever because of that magazine cover
Viloula Wymore
April 23, 2015
Bless you Mary, I hope that someday women everywhere will have your grit and fortitude.
G. Freeman
April 23, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mary Mitchell
April 23, 2015
With deepest sympathy to the family. Mary was a beautiful and gracious lady and I enjoyed visiting with her. May she rest in peace. Sincerely, Mary Mitchell
Adrian Barnette
April 23, 2015
We'll miss you !
April 23, 2015
Condolence to you on the loss of your loved one,may God grant you peace,and the memories in your heart sustain you........
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 23, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Mary Jean Pelhan
April 23, 2015
All of the Rockwell community is saddened. My condolences,
Mary Jean Pelham
April 23, 2015
Sorry for you loss. May the GOD of all comfort be with you as you cope with such sorrow. Please find comfort in the memories you have of Mary and may it help to ease the pain you are feeling.
Karen Vallier
April 22, 2015
Mary Ellen, I am saddened to hear of your mom's passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sheila
April 22, 2015
God bless you Mary and all those who love you.
April 22, 2015
2 Timothy 1:1 - May the family of Mary Doyle Keefe find peace and comfortduring this difficult time.
DS
April 22, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 22, 2015
Sending heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
LINDA BUTLER
April 22, 2015
MS Keefe was definitely an inspiration to many woman and surprisingly she still had young 2015 fans.
Scott Chamberland
April 22, 2015
Rest in Peace
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