Connie Palacioz Wichita’s Rosie the Riveter Dies at 101
Connie Palacioz, a World War II-era “Rosie the Riveter” who riveted B-29 Superfortress bombers in Wichita and later dedicated 26 years to volunteering with the restored B-29 DOC aircraft, has passed away at the age of 101. Palacioz began her impactful work at The Boeing Co. in Wichita at 17, contributing to the war effort by working on the B-29 production line from 1943 to 1945. Upon the return of B-29 DOC for restoration in 2000, she became a fervent advocate for the aircraft and the mission of Doc’s Friends, Inc., enthusiastically sharing her own experiences and those of other wartime production workers. Her humble dedication and trailblazing spirit, including her support for civil rights by working alongside a minority coworker, made her a national hero and an inspiration to many.
John Q. Hosedrinker