Josephine "Ma" Bogash

Josephine V. "Ma" Duda Bogash (March 3, 1897 – December 18, 1960) was an American roller derby skater. Bogash became one of the first stars of the roller derby along with her son, Bill Bogash. She was the first woman inducted into the Roller Derby Hall of Fame in 1952.

Skating career

In August 1935, Bogash attended the Transcontinental Roller Derby race with her husband and 18-year-old son, Billy, at the Chicago Coliseum, each paying a nickel in admission. She became a "roller rink buff" to manage her diabetes.

Josephine and Billy Bogash were two of the biggest stars of the early roller derby, with Josephine known as the game's first marquee skater. Billed as "the diabetic housewife," "Ma" Bogash was credited with drawing in a large portion of the female audience, especially housewives and middle-aged women.

Personal life and death

Josephine V. Duda was born March 3, 1897. She was married to Richard W. Bogash, a Wabash Railroad fireman. Their son Billy Bogash was born in 1916.

Bogash died December 18, 1960, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois.

alt=Flat memorial marker in a cemetery. The text reads "In loving memory, wife - mother, Josephine V. Bogash, March 3, 1897-December 18, 1960).