Category Archives: strong women

Margaret Rudkin: the Bread Lady by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on September 3, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Chances are you have savored a buttered slice of cinnamon swirl toast, or a decadent Pepperidge Farm cookie, or snacked on a handful of Goldfish Crackers. But you may not know the story, or the woman, behind the brand. Enter … Continue reading →

Posted in short biographies, strong women | 11 Comments

Liwwät Boeke: An Immigrant Story by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on August 1, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Although this month’s topic is about a strong female immigrant, there is no political agenda intended. We all know that America was built upon the lives of people who came to our shores either in bondage, indentured or in independently … Continue reading →

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The Akashinga: Brave Women Saving African Wildlife by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on July 1, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

The rolling hills and rocky outcrops of the Lower Zambezi Valley in southern Africa portray an untamed wilderness with two national parks and various hunting reserves, all without fences or borders. The Zambezi Valley is safari land where the grunting … Continue reading →

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A Mother’s Day Perspective by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on May 2, 2019 by lhsittig@verizon.net

May is the month of Mother’s Day, an appropriate time to honor mothers everywhere. But I would like to pay special tribute to those Native American mothers whose children the federal government relocated for assimilation purposes. To understand this travesty, … Continue reading →

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Emma Gatewood: Guardian of the Appalachian Trail by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on October 2, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Emma Gatewood never considered that she was a remarkable woman. In 1955, at the age of 67, she hiked the entire Appalachian Trail—alone. And without a tent or sleeping bag. To truly appreciate her accomplishment, you need to read about … Continue reading →

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Mary Fields: Frontier Pioneer by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on March 3, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

Mary Fields may just be the strongest of the Strong Women I have researched. Literally. Even from her early years, she did the unexpected. Born into slavery sometime in 1832 on a plantation in Hickman County, Tennessee, she became friends … Continue reading →

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Ruth Pfau: Humanitarian by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 1, 2018 by lhsittig@verizon.net

My first introduction to leprosy was from the movie, The Hawaiians, based on Michener’s epic novel. In particular, I remember when the Chinese character, Mun Ki, was sent for lifelong exile to the leper colony on Molokai; and his wife … Continue reading →

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Moina Belle Michael: Champion of Veterans: by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on November 1, 2017 by lhsittig@verizon.net

If you’ve ever worn a red paper poppy in support of Memorial Day or Veterans Day, you can thank Moina Belle Michael. Her tireless efforts of bringing recognition to the plight of disabled veterans is symbolized with the poppy. Born … Continue reading →

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Gladys Vandenberg: the Final Salute by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on June 5, 2017 by lhsittig@verizon.net

In 1948 Gladys Vandenberg was walking down a quiet lane in Arlington Cemetery with her husband, Air Force Chief of Staff Hoyt Vandenberg, at her side. During their walk, they chanced upon a funeral and saw to their dismay that … Continue reading →

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Rosie the Riveter and the Working Women of World War II by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on February 27, 2017 by lhsittig@verizon.net

  Her lips are red, her hair tucked up in a red and white polka-dot bandana, and she clenches her fist in power. Who was the real Rosie the Riveter of poster fame? Through the years there have been several … Continue reading →

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