Roberta McCain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roberta McCain
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McCain in 1992 at the launching of USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)
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Roberta Wright
February 7, 1912 Muskogee, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Died | October 12, 2020 (aged 108) Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3; including John and Joe |
| Relatives | Meghan McCain (granddaughter) Bert Andrews (brother-in-law) |
Roberta Wright McCain (February 7, 1912 – October 12, 2020) was a well-known American woman whose family was involved in the oil business. She was the wife of Admiral John S. McCain Jr.. Together, they had three children. These included U.S. Senator John S. McCain III and actor and journalist Joe McCain.
Roberta McCain was very active in the Navy Wives Clubs. Her home in Capitol Hill was a popular place for lawmakers and politicians to meet. In 2007 and 2008, she actively supported her son John during his campaign to become president.
Early life and family
Roberta Wright was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on February 7, 1912. She had an identical twin sister named Rowena Fay. Roberta also had three other siblings. Their parents were Archibald Grahee Wright and Myrtle Mae Wright.
Her father was involved in the oil business. After he became wealthy, he stayed home to raise the family. The family traveled often, especially every summer. They eventually settled in Los Angeles, where Roberta grew up.
Marriage and family life
On January 21, 1933, Roberta Wright secretly married John S. McCain Jr. in Tijuana, Mexico. At the time, John was a young officer in the U.S. Navy. He later became a four-star Admiral, a very high rank.
Roberta McCain was honored to be the ship sponsor for the USS John S. McCain (DL-3) in 1952. This ship was named after her father-in-law. She was also a special guest at the 1992 launching of the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56). This ship was named after both her husband and her father-in-law. She was also active in Navy Wives Clubs. For example, in 1971, she gave money and clothes to a charity in Vietnam.
McCain had three children: Jean Alexandra "Sandy" Morgan, John Sidney McCain III, and Joseph Pinckney "Joe" McCain II. She also had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Meghan McCain is well-known. The McCain family followed the Episcopalian faith. Roberta McCain believed faith was very important for her family.
She raised her children while living in Capitol Hill. Roberta McCain was a successful socialite. She used her home as a place for lawmakers to gather. This helped her husband's military career. She hosted breakfasts for politicians and other important people. She was friends with many public figures.
When her son, John S. McCain III, was taken as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, Roberta and her husband waited for his release. In 1967, Roberta McCain wrote to President Lyndon B. Johnson. She expressed her support for his policies in Vietnam. In 1968, she told Parade magazine that religion and military tradition were very important to her family during this difficult time.
In 1971, McCain said she did not want any special treatment because of her son's captivity. She explained that Navy tradition was strong in her family. Her daughter married a naval officer. Her son John became a naval aviator. Her younger son Joe joined the Navy during the Vietnam War. John S. McCain III was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for over five years. When he was released in 1973, his mother joked that she would "wash his mouth out with soap" after hearing he had used strong language with his captors.
John S. McCain III often spoke about his mother. He said she taught him to be strong and determined. He was grateful for the lessons she taught him by her example.
Later life and legacy
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McCain actively campaigned for her son during his 2008 presidential campaign. She was very active in 2007 and 2008, even at her advanced age. In August 2008, she was featured in Vogue magazine. She also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2009.
Roberta McCain was known for her love of travel. She often traveled with her twin sister. In 2009, she was hospitalized in Portugal after a fall.
For her 100th birthday in 2012, she had a small party. A few weeks later, she had a mild stroke. Her 100th birthday was noted in many newspapers across the United States. She was also featured in Town & Country magazine.
In September 2013, television commentator Greta Van Susteren wrote about McCain. This essay was part of a series called "Women Rule."
On her 106th birthday in February 2018, her family shared birthday wishes and memories on social media. In June 2018, McCain attended a screening of a documentary about her son, John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls. Before her son John's death in August 2018, she attended an event honoring him. After his death, she attended the ceremony where his remains were brought to the United States Capitol rotunda. She also attended his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.
Roberta McCain passed away on October 12, 2020, at the age of 108. She died at her home in Washington, D.C. A funeral service was held for her in November 2020. At the time of her death, her son Joe was her only living child. Her daughter Jean had passed away the year before. Roberta McCain was buried next to her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.
See also
In Spanish: Roberta McCain para niños
