* Mary worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, which provided jobs for unemployed young men.
* The economic hardship of the Great Depression inspired Mary to become involved in social activism and advocate for the rights of the working class.
World War II (1939-1945)
* Mary served as a pilot in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II.
* As a WASP, Mary flew non-combat missions, such as ferrying aircraft, transporting cargo, and training future pilots.
The American Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
* Mary participated in and supported the American Civil Rights Movement.
* She actively fought for desegregation and equal rights for African Americans.