04/21/2026
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — With great sadness, we mourn the passing of Marie West, a Navy War Hero and one of the last living veterans of World War II.
Marie passed away at the remarkable age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and quiet strength that will never be forgotten.
Born an Iowa farm girl, Marie answered her country’s call during World War II with determination and resolve. Wanting to do her part, she left home for Hunter College in New York City, where she trained in a newly formed division of the U.S. Navy created to place women on the home front—freeing men for duty at sea. It was pioneering work, and Marie was proud to be among those who proved that women could do anything asked of them.
She was later assigned to Moffett Field in Santa Clara County, California, where her duties were as demanding as they were essential. From wrangling massive Navy blimps to repairing their parts, Marie embraced every task without complaint. As she often showed through her actions, no job was too big or too small. These women did it all—and they did it well.
Marie’s service even brought her briefly face to face with history. While working in the kitchen during training, she served lunch to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Marie fondly recalled how Mrs. Roosevelt walked through the line, shook her hand, and personally thanked the women for their work—an unforgettable moment of recognition that stayed with her for a lifetime.
Her devotion to honoring service never faded. In 2024, at the age of 102, Marie made a historic return to Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. There, she paid tribute not only to the soldiers who fought, but especially to the women who served, sacrificed, and lost their lives during World War II—a cause close to her heart.
Marie West lived a life defined by patriotism, humility, and resilience. She represented a generation that stepped forward without hesitation and changed history through service and sacrifice. Though she has now joined her fellow veterans in rest, her story—and the values she embodied—will live on.
She will be remembered with deep gratitude, profound respect, and endless love.
Forever in our hearts.
The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org