Connie Palacioz: A B-29 DOC and World War II-era Rosie the Riveter Legend

B-29 Superfortress and World War II-era “Rosie the Riveter” Connie Palacioz has passed away at the age of 101.

At 17 years old, Connie went to work for The Boeing Company in Wichita and served as a riveter on the B-29 production line from 1943 to 1945 in the factory that built 1,644 B-29 Superfortress bombers.

“Connie’s life journey was inspiring, and it’s been our great honor to have shared her legacy and life story through B-29 DOC,” said B-29 DOC Executive Director Josh Wells. “Not only was Connie a Wichita and Kansas legend, but her story and work during World War II on the B-29 Superfortress production line also made her a national hero. The DOC family is hurting today but we honor and celebrate Connie’s legacy, and smile as we reflect on her life and the profound impact she had on us all. On behalf of the entire B-29 DOC team, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to Connie’s family.”

In 2000, when B-29 DOC returned to Wichita for restoration, Connie joined the volunteer team to help return DOC to flight. Since then, Connie spent 26 years as an active and crucial member of the B-29 DOC team, serving as an advocate for DOC’s mission while sharing her story and the stories of other Rosie the Riveters. Her mission was to honor the legacies of the men and women who designed, built, flew and maintained B-29s during World War II.

Funeral services are pending, and a public celebration of life will be planned soon.