We are saddened to report on the passing of the MHA Westchester Director Charlotte Ostman. Charlotte was a person of great substance. She was smart, humble and compassionate– all ideal traits for a CEO that led the already strong MHA in Westchester to new heights through her ability to operationalize progressive and innovative program while recognizing the core mission of the MHA movement. Many lives are better served because of her work.
On a personal level, she was a joy to work with—just so warm and funny. She was a huge supporter of the State MHA and we had several conversations over the years, tapping into her huge brain, about how we could grow as an organization. I have taken her advice to heart on many occasions.
Most of all, she was a wonderful mother. She lost her husband several years ago and raised her four children. Anytime you ever asked about her kids, she always smiled and talked glowingly about their accomplishments. It was evident how they were the love of her life.
It is hard to believe she is gone. She was such a remarkable and kind person who touched so many lives in a positive way.
Attached is her obituary as well as a very moving tribute by our colleague Lori Cole of the NYS Council.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
–Thomas Campbell
Glenn
Obituary
CHARLOTTE A. (WEBB) OSTMAN
May 20, 1970 – May 5, 2023
Cornwall, NY
Charlotte A. (Webb) Ostman, of Cornwall, N.Y. entered into rest on May 5, 2023. Born on May 20, 1970, in Lockport, N.Y, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Evoy) Webb. Charlotte worked for The Mental Health Association of Westchester County where she was the Chief Executive Officer – LCSW-R. Charlotte earned her BS from Cornell University (1988-1992), and her MSW from New York University (1994-1997).
Charlotte was a woman full of passion, and this passion was made manifest in myriad ways. It was illustrated most profoundly in the love she bore her children, and through the great adventure she began with Ulf, nearly three decades ago. It was revealed when she took to the floor to dance, or when she would swim. You could find it in her kitchen, and in her flowers, in her generosity, and in her humor. It dominated the room when she had a point to make, and made her a formidable advocate for other humans for the entirety of her adult life. It was written across her face when she spoke about magical things; it was experienced by her friends when she gave them her enthusiasm and support. Charlotte’s passion held until the end, made concrete in her assertion that Ulf was waiting for her, to be with her, to help her cross over. Charlotte’s passion was the driving force underneath her dynamism, and while it has shifted from the material world to the spirit, it most certainly lives on. She’d fight like hell if it were any other way.
Charlotte’s husband Ulf E. Ostman passed away on December 30, 2019. Mother of Elinor, Jonas, Griffin and Beatrix; sister of Charles (Anissa) of Clearwater, Florida; in-laws Ake (Elvy) Ostman of Nykoping, Sweden; sister-in-law of Par (Cecilia Edling) Ostman of Varmdo, Sweden; as well as several cousins, relatives, and countless friends.
As per Charlotte’s wishes, there will be no public services.
Memorial Contributions in Charlotte Ostman’s name may be made to The Mental Health Association of Westchester, Development, MHA Westchester, 580 White Plains Rd., Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY 10591 https://www.mhawestchester.org/about-us/ways-give or to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements are entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.; to send condolences, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
https://memorials.quigleybros.com/charlotte-ostman/5188566/
From Lauri Cole
Good afternoon,
It is with profound sadness that I must inform you of the untimely passing of Charlotte Ostman, CEO of The Mental Health Association of Westchester. Charlotte was our Board Vice President, and a dear colleague and friend. She died yesterday, May 5, after a brief illness.
Charlotte was a miraculous person who dedicated her life to assisting vulnerable New Yorkers. She had the heart of a warrior but she was also a gentle and loving soul who displayed incredible resilience and generosity in all areas of her life. Charlotte was always ‘present’ for the people in her world. She was fiercely devoted to her 4 children, to her late husband, and to her friends and colleagues. When you were in Charlotte’s presence, her radiance and positive energy was infectious.
It is difficult to describe how special Charlotte was to those who didn’t know her. She led an amazing agency that takes on any challenge that advances the needs of the individuals they serve. Our colleagues at The MHA in Westchester are grieving the sudden loss of their beloved leader, as are we.
We send our love and strength to the entire MHA community, and to her family and friends today, and in the days to come. It is my understanding that services will be private and limited to immediate family.
Lauri
