A 98-year-old, bedridden “Rosie the Riveter” who served her country during World War II could face eviction from the Marin City public housing unit she has lived in for more than 45 years.

The Small family said the Marin Housing Authority posted a “30-day termination” notice at Annie Small’s Golden Gate Village unit on Dec. 21.

The Marin Housing Authority, which operates the public housing complex, said the action is for Small’s safety. But the chief of the housing authority said Tuesday there is no attempt to force her out.

Lewis Jordan said an eviction notice has not been filed in court and that he and the Small family are working to negotiate a solution.

“By no means has there been any conversation, suggestion, that Ms. Small be evicted,” said Jordan, adding after a Marin Housing Authority meeting Tuesday that there were issues with the case he could not address.

But attorney Paul Cohen, who is representing the Small family, showed the Independent Journal a notice from the county that read in part: “You are hereby notified that your tenancy of the herein described premises will terminate 30 days after service upon you of this notice. You are hereby notified to remove and surrender possession of the said premises.”

“What ulterior motives does the MHA have in taking back one unit occupied by a community hero … because it’s clearly not the health and safety of the resident,” Cohen told the Marin Housing Authority Board of Directors. “Why is Ms. Small being singled out at the age of 98-and-a-half years for enforcement when she is arguably deemed protected by the MHA?”

Fatema Marcus, Small’s granddaughter, said the housing authority wants to move her grandmother into another unit in Golden Gate Village that it believes is easier to navigate.

“What is at the top of our list is safety and well being,” Jordan told the board. “Annie Small lives in an apartment where her bedroom and bathroom are on the second floor. She’s 98 years old. The idea of having someone who is 98 years old figure a way up and down the stairs to satisfy basic needs like washing and using the bathroom and sleeping … our mission says we need to make sure we are providing safe housing.”

Because Small’s movements are now limited, the safety issue is moot, Cohen said.

“She is bedridden now, she doesn’t use the stairs, this is not a concern that exists anymore,” Cohen said after the hearing on the issue. “She was able to celebrate the holidays in her home. That was important. It’s what she wants, to be home.”

Small had been in her home until June, when she was taken to Marin General Hospital for a medical evaluation. Small then went to rehabilitation for a month.

Small was an original “Rosie the Riveter,” serving as a ship-building welder on the piers of Sausalito, according to her family. As she raised her family, Small also fostered 37 children during her life in Marin City.

“Annie Small is the oldest person in Marin City,” neighbor Royce McLemore told the Marin Housing Authority board. “She fought to come back home to be able to spend her last days at home. I was shocked when I heard about the eviction notice. I hope you have some sort of heart. To move her anywhere in Marin City other than where she is staying right now is wrong. This would kill Annie Small and there would be blood on your hands, and I know you don’t want that.”

But Jordan said safety comes first.

“The Housing Authority has a commitment, as we all do, to make sure that we are providing safe housing for all of our individuals,” Jordan said, calling Small a “community treasure.” “These current housing conditions don’t suggest safety. We are very sensitive to the fact that she is approaching 100 years old.”