Raised by a Rosie

Two dynamic mother-daughter duos embody the spirit of Rosie the Riveter

By Andrea Busche

For the fourth consecutive year, the Woman Today will present the annual Rosie Awards at a ceremony held March 18 at the Greysolon Ballroom. Here, six local women will be recognized for their efforts in a variety of arenas – from their volunteer work to their endeavors in leadership. And, the crown jewel of this special event is known as the Rosie Award.

The Rosie Award is a nod to Rosie the Riveter, an American symbol of feminism and economic power. This namesake award is presented to that woman we all know who simply works hard to get stuff done.

Right here at Duluth Media Group, which publishes the Woman Today, we are fortunate enough to have two successful women on staff who, we believe, were “raised by a Rosie.” Their moms are pillars of strength and power, who have subsequently passed these character traits on to their beloved daughters.

So, while we prepare to celebrate our Rosie Award winners, we also take a moment to recognize the special bond between moms and daughters. And honor how the torch of strength and power is passed from one generation of women to the next.

Megan and Deb Keller

Megan Keller is the advertising director of Duluth Media Group, which publishes the Woman Today, the Duluth News Tribune and other publications. Her mother, Deb Keller, is administrative services supervisor for the University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids, Minn.

In addition to her daughter, Megan, Deb Keller is also mother to a son, Matthew, and has been married to her husband, Jamie Keller, for 46 years. Megan owns and operates a small hobby farm, and founded a dog rescue group, Nemo Paws.

Megan shared a little about her mom.

“My momma is, and always has been, someone I have looked up to. She has a drive about her that is so inspiring. I reflect on my professional career, and I am proud to say I follow in my mother's footsteps. She is an amazing mentor.

“At home, she was a heck of a strong mother,” she continued. “When she needs to be strong, there are no words to explain how solid she really is. She has watched me go through some terribly difficult times, and instead of falling apart, she held her head up and was there for me 100 percent. She was always supportive of our dreams. She allowed me to try things that maybe weren't the best for me and allowed me to fail at that. She then taught me how to pick myself up, brush it off and learn from it.

“Being vulnerable was never something to be ashamed of in our house, but Mom taught us how to not allow that to bring us down either. Learning to be vulnerable builds your best strengths,” said Megan. “She has taught me to not wallow in the bad times; we can stay there for a little while, but she always made sure that I was taking a step forward and helping me move past those hard times.”

Megan admires her mother in many ways.

“I admire her incredible strength and how she uses it when needed most by others. My mother is so selfless and loyal to our family and friends. My mother has so much pride and has never been ashamed of anything that has happened to this family. No matter what, she stands tall and her head is always held high. I truly admire that about her.”

And, for Deb, the admiration goes both ways.

“Megan’s work ethic and drive to do her best is unwavering. She has amazing gut instincts and has learned to trust them in her life and career. She inspires so many. She is just a beautiful soul inside and out!

“I admire her strength and her belief in herself that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to,” Deb continued. “From training and racing barrel horses, her dog rescues, and most importantly, her strong work ethic, she is not a quitter! No matter what curve balls life has thrown at her – and there have been many – she rises above them to be better and stronger, yet keeps her happy spirit. I am so proud of her.”

Amy Trethewey and Carol (Endrizzi) Trethewey

Amy Trethewey works in classified advertising for Duluth Media Group. Her mother, Carol Trethewey, was an elementary school teacher for 38 years. Carol is now retired and lives at Duluth’s Pines III with her husband, Ron.

Amy shared a few things she admires about her mom.

“My mom grew up in a family that really struggled financially, but her parents made sure that their two girls went to college and became ‘career women.’ My mom worked full-time as a teacher while also being an amazing wife and mother.

“My mom is so strong, both physically and emotionally,” continued Amy, “and she's always giving of herself. Early on in her teaching career, she left her job in the Twin Cities to move back home to take care of her mother after her father passed away. In the 1970s, she lost two babies (a miscarriage and an almost full-term stillborn). And, in 2012, she almost lost her life to a sudden and unexplained brain illness. Through all of this, she's never given up. I have never heard her say ‘I can't.’

“My mom taught me that ‘tomorrow is another day.’ If today was terrible, tomorrow might be better. Keep praying and keep trying, no matter what.”

Amy added, “I'd like my mom to know that she's my best friend and my hero.”

And, Carol shared what she admires most about her daughter, Amy.

“For me, a good example of a ‘Rosie’ is a woman who is determined to overcome physical and emotional challenges. And Amy possesses the ability to handle both financial and health issues, and she looks after the general well-being of me and Ron. My daughter is the most compassionate person I've ever known.”

Passing the torch

With a tenacious attitude which thrives in the face of life’s challenges, these four women are powerful examples of the “Rosie spirit.” And, while the daughters initially learned so many life lessons from their mothers, it is so inspiring to see that, in adulthood, the respect flows both ways.

For more information about the Rosie Awards, please visit thewomantoday.com. D

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer.