The Rosie the Riveter Trust and the Richmond community are mourning the loss of Marsha Mather-Thrift, a prominent advocate for national parks who served as the Trust’s executive director for nine years.
Mather-Thrift, remembered for her vision and dedication, was credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. One of her most significant contributions was elevating the narrative of Betty Reid Soskin, the nation’s oldest active National Park Service ranger before her retirement. Mather-Thrift helped bring Soskin’s story to a global audience by championing the documentary, No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin.
Mather-Thrift’s commitment to the future of Richmond was reflected in her work with youth. She helped establish Rosie’s Girls (now Rosie’s Service Corps), a program designed to provide young people in Richmond and surrounding areas with pathways into the trades, leadership roles, and public service.
Even after stepping down as executive director, Mather-Thrift remained an active presence within the organization. She continued to support the Trust as a grant writer and was a familiar face at signature community events, including Rosie Rallies, Riveter Days, and the annual Rosie Gala.
“Marsha leaves behind a legacy of impact, inspiration, and unwavering belief in the power of history to shape a better future as well as love for parks and environmental stewardship,” the Trust said in a statement.
Before her leadership at the Trust, Mather-Thrift spent decades in environmental policy, the arts, and nonprofit management. Her career began in San Francisco, where she helped establish the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture before taking her first executive director role at a wildlife rehabilitation center. She later became a prominent environmental advocate as deputy director of the Bluewater Network. Following its 2005 merger with Friends of the Earth, she served as development director and managed the West Coast office, campaigning for stricter maritime and automotive standards.