Letter to the editor: Notable Westmoreland women

Regarding the article “Westmoreland 250: Area natives have made their mark” (Dec. 31, TribLIVE): I was disappointed to find 19 men listed but only three women. After some research, I suggest the following ladies be included:

Martha Rial, a noted photojournalist, was born in Murrysville and traveled the globe with her trusty camera. Having worked for several newspapers during her career, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography.

Natalie Carbone Mangini, although born in New Jersey, moved here at age 2 and lived the rest of her 91 years in Crabtree. A graduate of the former Carnegie Tech, she gained worldwide renown as the first woman scientist employed at Westinghouse Bettis Plant, where she worked on the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine.

At age 17, Jill Corey was discovered and started her career as a singer. She was born in Avonmore but moved on to be sought by Arthur Godfrey and Dave Garroway to appear on their TV programs. She was also featured on various radio shows and a movie.

Also from Avonmore was Joanne McComb, a professional baseball player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. After retirement, she served Bloomsburg University in many capacities and was a pioneer in the formation of women’s athletics.

Bibiana Boerio, a Latrobe native and a graduate of Seton Hill University, held an MBA from Pitt when she was hired by Ford Motor Co.’s Jaguar division as managing director. The first woman to serve on Jaguar’s board of directors, she later served as interim president of Seton Hill.

Dorothy Piper

Unity