Dr. Joyce Celebrates Women’s History Month By Sharing the Story of Mary Lidwell

Washington, D.C. – In commemoration of Women’s History Month, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), is proud to introduce Mary Lidwell, whom he met during a recent visit to the Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home.

“On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, I thank Mary for her service to our country during World War II and her lifelong dedication to her community,” said Congressman John Joyce. “She remains a source of pride and inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.”

Mary Lidwell, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve who is now 102 years young, contributed to America’s war efforts as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. Raised in Ashville, Cambria County, during the Great Depression, Mary graduated from Gallitzin High School in 1942. She exhibited self-reliance from an early age, earning money for transportation to school by remaining after the final bell rang to help with cleaning. Her performance on a civil service exam qualified her for enrollment in the State School of Aeronautics in Harrisburg which, at the time, was housed in the Farm Show buildings.

After completing the six-month program of instruction, Mary earned employment at the Middletown Air Depot. In 1944, she enlisted in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Following basic training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Mary was stationed in Oklahoma and California, where she used skills in riveting and assembly to help repair damaged aircraft.

At war’s end, and with the fulfillment of her enlistment, Mary returned to Ashville and married Robert Lidwell, a Navy Veteran. Two of the couple’s five children and two of their grandchildren served in the U.S. Armed Forces. With the same sense of duty and love of country that inspired her to enlist in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, Mary remained active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary over the years and never missed a community parade in honor of veterans and active-duty personnel. Mary’s professional life included her service as Ashville Borough Secretary and administrative aide to a district justice.