Elivera M. Doud

Mary Geneva "Mamie" Eisenhower (née Doud) was born on November 14, 1896, in Boone, Iowa. She was the second child of John Sheldon Doud, a meatpacking executive, and Elivera Mathilda Carlson. Her family resided in several cities during her childhood, including Cedar Rapids, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and San Antonio, Texas. Mamie's paternal grandfather founded the family meatpacking business, Doud & Montgomery, which contributed to the family's considerable wealth. Her mother was of Swedish descent, and Swedish was often spoken at home. Mamie had three sisters: Eleanor Carlson Doud, Eda Mae Doud, and Mabel Frances "Mike" Doud. Her older sister Eleanor died at age 17.

Her father retired early from the meatpacking business, after which Mamie was educated at Wolcott School for Girls. She experienced health issues as a child, including rheumatic fever, and her education was limited. Her father taught her financial management skills, which she applied in later life.

In 1915, Mamie became interested in Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower, then a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. They met at Fort Sam Houston during a visit by Mamie's family. Ike proposed touring the Army post with her, which she accepted, leading to their courtship. They became engaged on Valentine's Day, 1916, and Mamie considered both Valentine's Day and Saint Patrick's Day as their anniversary dates. Their marriage was approved by Mamie's father on the condition that Ike would not join the Army Air Service; they married on July 1, 1916, in Denver, Colorado.

Following their marriage, Mamie became an army wife, living in numerous postings across the United States and overseas, including Panama, the Philippines, and France. During this period, she participated in community service efforts and managed the households' furnishings in temporary military housing. Their home was known as "Club Eisenhower," reflecting their frequent entertaining of officers and social gatherings. Their military lifestyle entailed frequent relocations, with Ike serving in various positions, including aide to General Douglas MacArthur. They lived in a total of 33 different homes during Ike's 37-year military career.

Mamie and Ike had two sons: Doud Dwight "Icky" Eisenhower, born September 24, 1917, and John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower, born August 3, 1922. Their son Icky died at age three from scarlet fever in 1921. Mamie faced periods of depression affected by her son's death and the strains of military life. She supported Ike's career moves, including encouraging his acceptance of a position in Paris in 1928.

The Eisenhowers' relationship was often marked by physical and emotional distance, and Mamie occasionally suffered from health issues. During World War II, while Ike led military efforts in Europe, Mamie stayed in Washington, D.C., with limited contact with her husband. She engaged in voluntary work supporting war efforts and experienced significant stress, losing weight and enduring rumors about her health and sobriety. Rumors also circulated regarding Ike's close relationship with his chauffeur, Kay Summersby, and allegations of infidelity, which remained unsubstantiated.

After the war, Ike's promotion and memoirs provided the family with financial stability. In 1948, the Eisenhowers purchased a farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, their first owned home. Mamie managed social functions and hosted guests at this residence. She became First Lady of the United States when Ike was elected president in 1952, serving from 1953 to 1961. During her tenure as First Lady, she was responsible for significant control over White House expenses and scheduling, was noted for her frugality, and managed White House staff. She hosted many state visits and foreign dignitaries and generally maintained a non-political role, supporting military welfare and civil rights initiatives.

Mamie was recognized as a fashion icon, noted for her distinctive bangs and frequent use of pink. She suffered from Ménière's disease, which affected her balance, and was subject to rumors of alcoholism, which were not substantiated. She remained married to Ike for 52 years until his death in 1969. After his death, she lived primarily at the family farm in Gettysburg before returning to Washington in her later years. Mamie Eisenhower died on November 1, 1979.