Marian Wynn

Marian Wynn (nee Parsons)

Resident of Fairfield, CA

Aug 19, 2026 - Oct 3, 2025

Marian was born outside of Brainerd, MN, the third of 11 children. Marian was always smiling, and loved sharing stories with people. In her younger, single days, she would go dancing with a group of girlfriends, who called her "Mickey". They remained lifelong friends, which was typical of those who were lucky enough to get to know Marian.

After graduating high school, she moved to the Bay Area during WWII and worked in the Kaiser Shipyards, supporting the war effort as a Rosie. She was a welder, and was proud of being told by her supervisor that she could weld a seam better than any man he had ever supervised. She soon met a dashing young sailor and fell in love. Marian and Lloyd married, had one daughter, Carol, and were devoted to each other for decades until he passed in 2005.

After Lloyd's passing, Marian became connected to the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond. She began speaking to the public on Fridays at the Park Visitor Center and absolutely lit up when getting to answer questions from the many people who came to listen. She visited various community groups and participated in WWII remembrance events. She traveled to Pearl Harbor as a Rosie multiple times, thanks to many generous donors who helped fund the travel and accommodations. She and other Rosies visited the White House at the invitation of then-Vice President Biden, and had the pleasure of dining with him. She met President Obama during that visit, and at the 75th Anniversary celebrations in France, she met President Trump and French President Macron. Marian and all the Rosies received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their part in the war effort.

She loved her older brother Donald, and was heartbroken when he died in Normandy during D-Day. She finally got to visit his grave when she traveled to France for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day as part of the Rosie the Riveter contingent. His Purple Heart Medal was lost until just a few weeks ago, when a kind stranger, the daughter of another Rosie, found Marian through news coverage, and returned the medal so Marian and the emblem of her brother's sacrifice could be reunited.

Marian is survived by her sister Betty, grandsons Marc (Linda) and Michael, and great-grandchildren Keegan and Jillian. Per Marian's wishes, a small graveside service for family and close friends will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Rolling Hills in Richmond CA. Remembrances may be sent to the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park