Mary V. Ostlund papers, 1893-2021

Mary V. Ostlund (1928–2021) was a Navy nurse, community leader, and philanthropist based in Wyoming. Born on May 29, 1928, in Mount Vernon, New York, she graduated from A.B. Davis High School in 1945 before completing her nursing education at St. Vincent’s Hospital of Nursing. After joining the United States Navy as a nurse, she was stationed at St. Albans Naval Hospital, where she met and later married Ensign John C. Ostlund in 1952. Alongside raising eight children, Mary and John were deeply involved in business, community, state, and political activities for over 30 years. John served as a Wyoming state senator from 1972 to 1978.

In 1984, the Ostlund’s acquired the historic Remount Ranch west of Cheyenne, which became both a family retreat and a venue for hosting engagements related to the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees and the Wyoming Legislature. Following her husband's passing in 2004, Mary remained active in various organizations, including Blue Stockings, St. Anthony’s Circle, Cheyenne Audubon, the Cheyenne Historical Society, and the Cheyenne Symphony. She also supported numerous charitable causes, particularly in healthcare, libraries, and local history. Mary passed away at home on August 6, 2021, at the age of 93.