Martha Blaszkiewicz, a woman whose life embodied love, resilience, and generosity, passed away at the age of 100 on November 19, 2025, at Marycrest Manor in Culver City, California. Born on May 3, 1925, in a small coal-mining town in McDowell County, West Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of Rosie and Charlie Mostek.

Proud of being a coal miner’s daughter, Martha nevertheless set her sights beyond her hometown. The day after graduating from high school, she boarded a train to Detroit to pursue work opportunities and experience the excitement of big-city life. During World War II, she became one of the many women known as “Rosie the Riveter,” working at the Willow Run Assembly Plant outside Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she helped produce B-24 Liberator heavy bombers.

Throughout her life, Martha gave generously to her community. She volunteered tirelessly for her children’s school activities and worked as a librarian at their elementary school, where she nurtured a love of reading and supported countless young students.

Martha was also a gifted baker whose talents earned her many blue ribbons at Michigan State Fairs. More importantly, she baked to share—to comfort, to celebrate, and to bring people together. Feeding others brought her great joy, and her kitchen was always a warm and welcoming place. Her faith was lived daily—not only in prayer, but in the way she welcomed, fed, and cared for those around her.

Deeply devoted to her cultural roots, Martha was a founding member of the American Polish Cultural Center (APCC) in Troy, Michigan, where she served as General Manager for ten years. Her leadership and dedication to preserving and celebrating Polish heritage touched countless lives and helped build a lasting community.

After retiring from the APCC, Martha devoted herself to her faith community at Christ, Our Light! Catholic Church in Troy. A familiar and reliable presence, she spent years baking dozens of cookies for bake sales, preparing food for weekly Lenten soup gatherings, and quietly offering her time in the church offices. Her service was steady, generous, and deeply appreciated by those who came to depend on her.

When she began to need help getting around, Martha moved to Los Angeles at the age of 86. There, Sunday morning Mass became the anchor of her week. After mass, she delighted in lingering at a table with friends, sharing conversation, laughter, coffee, and muffins—reflecting her lifelong love of community, friendship, and togetherness.

Martha Blaszkiewicz was a devoted mother, a steadfast servant to her community, a proud ambassador of her heritage, and a cherished friend to many. Her zest for life, tenacious spirit, and joyful heart will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, William (Boleslaw) Blaszkiewicz; her son, Bill Blaszkiewicz; her parents, Rosie and Charlie Mostek; her sisters, Jean Springer and Rose Mostek; and her brother, John Mostek. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Vaughn, as well as many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her love and spirit.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.:

Christ, Our Light! Catholic Church

3077 Glouchester Drive

Troy, Michigan 48084

Please text Martha’s daughter, Vicki, with your name if you plan to attend the funeral luncheon after the mass, and for restaurant location information: 818-519-0206.

The family asks that if you wish to honor her memory, memorial tributes may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit (https://cskdetroit.org) or the Los Angeles Food Bank (https://lafoodbank.org). Martha loved feeding others, and these contributions honor the legacy of caring and sharing that defined her life.