Anne Matkaluk (nee Kosik)
May 23, 1933 – Webster, Alberta
July 1, 2025 – Cochrane, Alberta
With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Anne Matkaluk, who left us peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
Anne was born on May 23, 1933, in Webster, AB. She devoted her life to her family as a loving and dedicated homemaker, creating a home filled with warmth and care.
Our mother was from the generation of oil wives who were independent, resourceful, and managed home and family while our dad worked the oil fields in Canada, the arctic, and internationally. Anne was always proud of being one of the first women to graduate from Grande Prairie College with a business diploma in the early 1950s. She was a strong role model to us all and exemplified the importance of education and hard work.
Anne was raised on the family farm outside of Grande Prairie, AB, with her one sister and five brothers. Her parents Stanley and Francis Kosik emigrated from Poland and Ukraine building a new life in Canada with their family. As new immigrants, they had to overcome many challenges. Our mom only spoke Ukrainian until she started school. She would always remind us of how she walked to school over two miles in cold weather.
Anne met her future husband Paul in Grande Prairie, AB, in 1951. They were married in 1952. Paul always told the story of how he went to Grande Prairie for work in the oil-and-gas industry and left marrying the prettiest woman there.
Anne loved to mentor young girls and was ‘Brown Owl’ of the St. Pius Brownies from 1961 – 1977. Loving challenges and wanting the Brownies to experience the outdoors, Anne ensured she kept herself updated with the right qualifications to take them camping.
Her love for adventure followed her when Paul was transferred to Australia in 1966. Anne without hesitation learned how to drive on the opposite side of the road. She left Australia leaving many friends, who stayed in contact over the years and visited her in Calgary.
Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul Matkaluk, in 1985. Their enduring partnership was rooted in love, hard work, and a deep commitment to family. She carried his memory in her heart every day.
Anne took up golf and became a successful competitive golfer. She spent many countless happy hours on the course, appreciating the outdoors, friendly competition, and special friendships it brought her way.
A highlight for Anne was volunteering for the 1988 Winter Olympics. She continued on for many years volunteering for speed skating at the Olympic Oval. Anne travelled the world and enjoyed many adventures over the years.
She will be forever loved and remembered by her daughters, Bonnie (Grant) Johnston, Judy (Steve) Matkaluk-Kosa, and Laura (Rog) Cross; and by her grandchildren, Mark, Jenn, Jesi, Anna, Andrew, and Lauren, who brought her immense pride and joy. The grandchildren will miss her incredible baking and special family dinners. Her strength was the strong foundation of many cherished memories and lifelong values passed down through the generations.
Her strong independent spirit, determination, and steady presence will be missed deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the third-floor staff of the Hawthorne seniors’ facility for their exceptional care and support of our mom and their kindness and compassion in Anne’s final days.
A private family service will be held in her memory.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.
Though she is no longer with us in person, her love remains ever present—a quiet, enduring light in the hearts of all who knew her.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Anne’s family here.
In living memory of Anne Matkaluk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.