[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E384-E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF JOAN McFARLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joan McFarland 
of Riverview on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions 
to our nation are worthy of commendation.
  Mrs. McFarland was born in Canton, Ohio, and came to Ecorse, Michigan 
in 1933 when her father got a job at Great Lakes Steel during the Great 
Depression. A graduate of Ecorse High School, she was considered the 
class artist. At age 20, she married her husband but only a week after 
their wedding, Pearl Harbor was attacked and World War II began. He 
left to serve overseas, and Mrs. McFarland joined Ford Motor Company to 
build aircraft engines. As a Rosie the Riveter, Joan's hard work, grit, 
and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a 
path for the next generation of working women.
  When her husband returned from the war in 1947, the couple made their 
home in Lincoln Park, Michigan. Nineteen years later, the family moved 
to Southgate and purchased a party store. Together they had five 
children before her husband passed at the age of 51. Mrs. McFarland is 
known by family and friends for her kind spirit and caring personality.
  A proud Rosie, she remained an active member of our community through 
her church, St. Pius X Catholic Church in Southgate. Her lifelong 
commitment to service in her church and neighborhood reminds us all of 
the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and nation.

[[Page E385]]

  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
Joan McFarland on her 100th birthday. I join with her family and 
friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special 
day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her 
invaluable contributions to our Nation.

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