Ernestine Jesse Wean

Beloved Mother, daughter of Angela and John Roman, Sr. has been reunited with her heavenly family. Ernestine was 98 years young. She was a proud Rosie the Riveter during WWII; in 1944 when her brother John joined the Navy and went to war. Not all Rosie’s worked in factories, many women stepped into whatever roles the country needed the most — and for Ernestine, that meant the agricultural fields of Woodland, California. During WWII, with the critical labor shortages leaving crops to rot, she answered the call. At just 16 years old, Ernestine split her days between school and the fields, spending half a day helping harvest the fruits and vegetables that sustained the Home Front, and half a day in the classroom. Her story is a powerful reminder that the legacy of the Rosie the Riveter generation reaches far beyond the factory floor. It lives in every field, every community, and every young person who stepped up when the country needed them most. We cherish our memories and honor Ernestine’s life, her work, and her contribution to the Home Front. 

Ernestine was a native Californian growing up in the Sacramento, Yolo County Capay Valley and proud of her Mexican heritage. Ernestine lived in El Cerrito, California for 65 years, worked and retired from Colgate- Palmolive, a global company of consumer and household products (20 years). She is survived by her three living children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, one brother, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. She loved life with a passion! Ernestine met her challenges with optimism, she gave the best hugs, and the biggest smiles, she enjoyed laughter, music, dancing, and giving of herself. Ernestine loved many and was loved by many. We will miss her physical presence in our lives, but take comfort in knowing that we’ve gained an angel in heaven watching over us, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

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