[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 219 (Monday, December 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MARY RYSKA

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 20, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Ryska of 
River Rouge on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to 
our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation.
  Born on December 23, 1921, Mrs. Ryska was born and raised in River 
Rouge, Michigan, where she remains today. She attended school at St. 
John Cantius until 8th grade, when she left to work as a housekeeper in 
Detroit to help support her family. Though she had setbacks, she never 
gave up on obtaining her high school diploma. At age 67, she graduated 
from high school in Southgate, Michigan and earned her diploma.
  Employed at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti Township, Mrs. 
Ryska was a riveter, riveting the camera pulley bracket on the B24 
aircraft. She remained working at the plant until she was pregnant with 
her second child. As a Rosie the Riveter, Mary's hard work, grit, and 
patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path 
for the next generation of working women.
  Ever the hard worker, Mrs. Ryska has held jobs at various companies 
around Southeast Michigan. She was also the landlady for properties 
throughout River Rouge. She is currently a member of St. Andrew 
Bessette Church and was previously very active as a member of Our Lady 
of Lourdes Church. Her lifelong commitment to service reminds us all of 
the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and nation. She was 
married to her loving husband Stanley for 48 years, and together they 
had two daughters and two sons.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
Mary Ryska on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including her 
five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren--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 as a Rosie the Riveter.

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