Ann Hataluk

Ann Hataluk, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and wife, passed away peacefully in her home on September 20, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on January 16, 1930, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada to Ukrainian immigrants, Fred and Marie Matveychuk, Ann made her entrance during a snowstorm in 50 below temperatures. From an early age, she knew the importance of family, education, and helping others. She attended classes and taught English to both her parents.

Ann met her lifelong partner Peter “Pete” Hataluk when they were both in grade school and were married for 66 years before his passing at the age of 91. They raised 3 children, Debra, Carey, and Paul, and when their children were teenagers, they moved the family to the United States for work and eventually settled in Garland, Texas.

Ann treasured her enduring friendships. Three of her dearest friends were women she met as a child, and all got married in the same month. She would play the mandolin, share life experiences with them, and write letters and postcards regularly once they all lived in different places. Her friendships endured for more than 80 years, showing the testament to loyalty and love that she brought to all aspects of her life.

She was selfless, kind, positive, and giving. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in her early years. She volunteered at the Auxiliary of Baylor Medical Center at Garland for almost 40 years, working in the gift shop, serving others and somehow always managed to bring home the leftover popcorn to share.

Sewing and quilting were her passion, making clothes for herself through all the generations of her family. She was a Charter Member of the Garland Quilt Guild and made thousands of quilts and donated them to children in need. She worked quietly and selflessly, never seeking recognition or credit for what she did; however, she was recognized as a recipient of the Founders Spool Award. If you are lucky enough to have one of her quilts, you know the intricate details, bright colors and fabrics, and patterns she thoughtfully sewed together.

Many of her grandchildren had their first jobs, working alongside her at Chocolate Soup, as a clothing model, inventory specialist, and even Santa Claus. She made family life memorable and took pride in always sneaking a little money to her grandchildren.

If you knew Ann, you would know that her kitchen was the heart of her home. She made food that she loved (sauerkraut perogies were her favorite), collected recipes from various magazines and kept them in photobooks, and taught us all to cook her beloved dishes. Everyone was welcome at her table, and as soon as you arrived, she immediately offered you something to eat. She rarely stayed seated when it was time to eat and often left a dish in the microwave until she realized it in the middle of the meal.

Ann remained as sharp as a tack until the end. She was an avid reader of books and read The Dallas Morning News every day and faithfully completed the New York Times Crossword puzzle every morning (except for Sundays because she said it was too hard). She watched soap operas and sewed daily. Anytime you called the house, she would answer with a bright and cheery “hello” that she said with a slight twang.

She had an uncanny ability to make people feel remembered and loved. Somehow, she managed to get your birthday card to your mailbox on the day of your birthday, no matter how far away you lived. This little gesture made such a big impact to all who received one.

Ann lived a long and remarkable life. She leaves behind a legacy that can be found, not only in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but also in the quilts she made, recipes she shared, and friendships she made along the way.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Donnie Carthew, and daughter Carey Lynn Carpenter-Moynihan and survived by her daughter Debbie, son Paul, 9 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Garland Quilt Guild.