Author Archives: lhsittig@verizon.net

Jovita Idár: Fighting for Justice

Posted on October 2, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig I must admit that before this month, I had never heard of Jovita Idár. Nor did I know a Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement started in Texas back in 1911 and continues to this day.               And I … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women, Uncategorized | Tagged | 6 Comments

Betsy James Wyeth: Art Visionary

Posted on September 2, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

By Linda Harris Sittig I am always fascinated by accomplished women whose famous husbands often overshadowed their wives’ contributions to history. Betsy James Wyeth meets that criterion. You undoubtedly recognize her married surname: Wyeth. Her father-in-law was famed illustrator N.C. … Continue reading →

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Ruth Handler: Bringing Barbie to Life

Posted on August 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

By Linda Harris Sittig I know, I know. You might be thinking, “Barbie? Seriously?” But, yes, I am. With the popular Barbie movie out and the Barbie doll still number one of the top ten best-selling toys of all time, … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women, women who made a difference | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Françoise Gilot: Strong Woman

Posted on July 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig I don’t usually profile a Strong Woman so soon after she has passed, but I am making an exception this month. French artist Françoise Gilot died recently at 101, having led an extraordinary life. She became … Continue reading →

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Josephine Diebitsch Peary: Arctic Explorer

Posted on June 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig I often find fascinating, strong women through their husbands. Like Karin Bergöö, a talented textile artist married to Swedish painter Carl Larsson.  And Mileva Marić, a brilliant mathematician married to Albert Einstein (his first wife). Anne Morrow, … Continue reading →

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Josie Cook Murray: Unsung Hero of the Civil Rights Movement

Posted on May 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig Do you own a library card? Have you ever walked into a library to use their materials? Have you ever checked out a library book? Like many Americans, you most likely answered YES to at least … Continue reading →

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Joan B. Mansfield: She Gave Away Her Fortune to Benefit Others

Posted on April 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

By Linda Harris Sittig You may not recognize Joan Beverly Mansfield, but you most likely have played a part in her life. JOAN’S EARLY LIFE Born in 1928 in Minnesota to a storekeeper father, and a mom who played the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Eleanor Jackson Piel: Defender of the Downtrodden

Posted on March 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig Eleanor Jackson Piel might owe her amazing law career to 8 words uttered to her by an immature college boy who said, “You’re not smart enough to be a lawyer.” Her reaction? She promptly applied to … Continue reading →

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Fanny Eyal Ben-Ami: Tenacious Holocaust Heroine

Posted on February 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig January was Holocaust Remembrance Month, paying homage to the 11 million victims of the Holocaust. It was almost seventy-eight years ago, in 1945, the death camp of Auschwitz was liberated, and the world at large learned … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Belle Jennings Benchley: Animal Rights Champion

Posted on January 1, 2023 by lhsittig@verizon.net

by Linda Harris Sittig Long before we had Hollywood stars campaigning for animal rights, there was Belle Jennings Benchley. BEFORE THE ZOO Born in August 1882 to a strait-laced Victorian family in rural Kansas, Belle’s future was mapped out to … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women | Tagged , , | 22 Comments