Frances Mauro Masters has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and more than a century of American history. Now, at 103 years old, her contributions as an original Rosie the Riveter will be immortalized in bronze at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.

The statue will be unveiled this Veterans Day, honoring Masters' work during World War II at a bomber plant in Ypsilanti, where she helped build B-24 bombers for the war effort.

"We just came out of the depression, and we all had to work," Masters said. "Since my brothers were in the army, the next person to help my family was me."

Masters worked at the plant not just for the paycheck, but out of patriotic duty.

"I worked at the plant to make money, plus it was an honor to help with the war effort," Masters said.

Despite her advance

See Full Page