Rochester Hills 'Rosie the Riveter' celebrates 108th birthday

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (WJBK) - A real-life Rosie the Riveter hit quite a milestone this weekend. 

Rosaria Martinico was born in Detroit in 1910 and celebrated her 108th birthday on Sunday, when she was also honored as being one of the original Rosie the Riveters by Mayor Bryan Barnett in Rochester Hills. 

Rosaria lived through two world wars. In World War II, she stepped in with so many women to help the war efforts. She served her country as one of the original Rosie the Riveters, working on B-17 bombers at Murray Body for six months.

Her daughter Josephine Sternab says her family never imagined that she would have lived this long. For her birthday celebration, she was surrounded by both her daughters, who are in their late 80s; eight grandkids; 18 great grand children; and 12 great great grandchildren.

"I think it was wonderful, wonderful, to have my whole family," she said of the special day. 

Rosaria has slowed down and does have trouble hearing, but was all smiles Sunday. She doesn't know the secret to living a long life; even she's even surprised by her longevity!

"I told our priest, 'God didn't want me,' but he said, 'Yes he does! He wants you right here,'" Rosaria says.