We Can Do It! Geraldine Hoff Doyle

Geraldine Doyle has died.  Most people won’t recognize her name, but everyone knows who she was.  Geraldine’s picture while working in a factory during World War II was the inspiration for the iconic Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It!” poster.  The poster was commissioned by the government as a morale-booster.  Geraldine was 17 years old at the time; she was 86 years old when she passed away on December 26, 2010.  Her obituary may be found at

The Washington Post

On the left is the origninal photo of Geraldine taken in 1942 and below is the poster based upon it, both include her famous red polka dot scarf.

One can only wonder at how many women were inspired by this poster since World War II.

Thanks, Geraldine!