Martha M. Zarichny, 1920-2010: Manager of liquor store aided in WWII
12/26/2010Martha M. Zarichny, who was among the storied class of female workers who filled factory jobs while soldiers were overseas during World War II, died Dec. 15 in the Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus.
She was 90 and had complained of stomach problems.
The retired state employee, born on Nov. 19, 1920, helped build aircraft during the war as a "Rosie the Riveter," her son, Victor Zarichny, said.
"She was a selfless woman who put her family first," he said.
A Toledo native who lived in the area until about five years ago, Ms. Zarichny was a riveter and also ran an internal valve grinder at an aircraft parts assembly plant in Toledo.
Mr. Zarichny said his mother will be remembered as a "very self-sufficient" woman because after spending years as a homemaker she started a career after her husband died in 1969.
"To become more self-sufficient, she learned how to drive," Mr. Zarichny said.
She eventually became the assistant store manager of what is now Joseph Beverage Center on Talmadge Road. It was a state liquor store when she worked there.
She retired in the mid-1980s, her son said.
About five years ago, she moved to Columbus to be with her son, he said.
A few days before she died, she started not feeling well and went to the hospital, where true to her form she insisted on walking rather than using a wheelchair, Mr. Zarichny said.
She enjoyed cooking and took pride in her specialty Polish dishes.
Surviving are her son, Victor Zarichny, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
There is no visitation scheduled.
A graveside service will be at noon Tuesday in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery, Parkside Boulevard, Toledo.
Arrangements are by Newcomer Funeral Home, Columbus.
The family suggests tributes to the American Cancer Society.
Contact Mike Sigov at: sigov@theblade.com, or 419-724-6089.