Mary Ann Ostlind

Mary Ann Spence Ostlind passed away peacefully at home in Torrance, CA, on Jan. 21, 2024. She was born July 1st, 1930 in Los Angeles, to John & Ferne Spence. She was preceded in death by her elder sister, Joanne Spence Panovich, and is survived by her younger sister, Carol Spence Tuckman.

Mary Ann was a very intelligent child and loved school, passing up two grades at Rosewood Elementary School in West Hollywood. She enjoyed her studies at Burroughs Junior High and Fairfax High School, and then went to Frostburg State Teachers College (Maryland) from 1947-49. She returned to Los Angeles, and graduated from UCLA with a B.A. (Education) degree.

Mary Ann was a teacher for over 35 years at three elementary schools in the Redondo Beach School District. She enjoyed teaching 6th grade and making special “fun” lessons, and playing ball with them after school. It was at one of these schools, Tulita Elementary School, that she found the love of her life, Ken Ostlind, who became the Principal of the School.

They were married in 1963, in the Glass Church (Wayfarer’s Chapel) in Rancho Palos Verdes, and spent 42 wonderful years together. They loved to travel, and were enthralled by Hawaii, which they visited over 20 times - especially the island of Kauai. They even celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows in Kauai, at a beautiful site overlooking Hanalei Bay. Another place that Mary Ann loved to visit was Mexico. She and her sister, Carol, would go all over the country in the 1970s, moving around in planes, trains, buses, and even once a donkey cart! They would always choose to stay in lovely traditional hotels, which were much more interesting and beautiful. Their favorite states were Guadalajara, Michoacan, Oaxaca and Yucatan.

Mary Ann was very creative and artistic from a young age. She loved to draw and paint. She designed creative clothing for herself, and for many relatives and their kids. Strangers would often stop her to appreciate her designs that she would often wear. She also created gorgeous quilts. She was also an expert at crocheting, knitting and embroidery.

After retiring from teaching school, she taught a highly popular course for adults in “Writing Your Life History”, initially at an adult-ed school for about 5 years, and then at a local church for almost 15 years. The group had wonderful times reading aloud and sharing their past lives. Many of them actually had their writings published as books for their families.

Mary Ann & Ken loved cats and had a number of devoted "kids". Because of their love for animals, in remembrance, if you choose to, please send any donations to animal-care organizations, such as Best Friends Animal Society (in Kanab, Utah), The Wildlife Animal Sanctuary (in Colorado), or The Humane Society.

Our family wishes to thank Mary Ann’s wonderful, long-time doctor, Dr. Robert Hosseini and his staff, as well her devoted care-giving team at 24-Hour Home Care Buddies/Justin-Villa Care, who took excellent care of her during her last years.

Ken departed this earth in 2005. But, as they had both wished, Mary Ann and Ken will now share eternity together, as Ken's ashes will be buried along with Mary Ann, on Tuesday, Feb. 13th, 2024 at the Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Mary Ann and Ken were cherished, and they will always be in our hearts.