Mary Keefe - Rockwell Model

Mary Keefe was the model for Norman Rockwell's iconic "Rosie the Riveter" painting in 1943. It symbolized the millions of American women who went to work in factories during World War II.

She died on April 21, 2015 in Simsbury, CT after a brief illness at the age of 92.

Ms Keefe met Rockwell when they both lived in Vermont. She was a 19 year old telephone operator when the painting appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 23, 1943. Rockwell exaggerated some of her physical features, giving her large arms, hands and shoulders. He later apologized to her. She was paid $5 for the two morning sessions needed to photograph her for the painting.

The magazine cover was used extensively in ads to sell war bonds to the general public. She spent her career as a dental hygienist in Vermont and later in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Betty Willis - Sign Maker

Betty Willis spent her career as a commercial artist, but will always be remembered for the iconic "Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" neon sign that sits on Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the strip. When she created the sign in 1959, few thought it would become such a popular tourist attraction and symbol of the city. It was added to the National Historical Register in 2009. She passed away on April 21, 2015 at the age of 91. She spent her career in Las Vegas in an industry dominated by men. Several of her signs appear at various casinos.

Luke Martin JR - Son of Ex-slave

Luke Martin Jr was the son of an ex-slave and former Union soldier who fought in the Civil War. Martin died on January 25, 2015 at the age of 97 at his home in New Bern, NC.- 179 years after his father was born.

Martin Sr was a slave at a plantation near Plymouth, NC. During the war, he became a member of 35th US Colored Troops. He fathered Martin Jr when he was 84 years old.

Martin JR spent his entire lifetime in the house his father built in the 1890's.