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Knitter Profile: Mary Rozen
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 Mary Rozen was one of the first knitters to join Sarah Oliver's team in 2005. Now 94 years old, she has been knitting nonstop since she learned to knit from the Red Cross during World War II. She knit scarves and gloves for the soldiers in the war, and then continued to knit sweaters and dresses for herself and her friends until she started knitting bags for Sarah.
Mary was born in Chicago, IL to two hardworking parents who owned a small tailoring business. A young teenager during the Great Depression, Mary says she didn't notice the effects of the Depression, as her family did not have much to begin with, and she was mostly concerned with having fun and going to school.
Mary has one son, and the family moved to Los Angeles from Chicago where they lived for many years. Her husband worked as a Buyer for a Department Store. Mary eventually moved to the Bay Area to be close to her son.
About a year ago, Mary was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, and it became increasingly difficult for her to see. Frustrated and discouraged, she came to Sarah and handed in her knitting needles, saying she could no longer see well enough to knit.
Mary was an integral part of the knitting group, and Sarah was determined to have her still be a part of the team, even if she could no longer knit. Sarah insisted that Mary at least come to the group every week, and soon Sarah and Mary had worked out a way for Mary to continue knitting "by feel."
Mary is back to knitting several bags a week, and her perseverance and resilience are truly an inspiration. She says she couldn't be happier to be a part of the knitting team again, and looks forward to the meetings every week.
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