Ann Lois Matikan

Ann Lois Matikan, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Alexandria Hospital from complications of corticobasal disease. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Ann moved to Northern Virginia after graduating from the Norwich Free Academy in 1963, and was a resident of Old Town Alexandria for more than 50 years.

Ann’s career began in advertising but she soon moved on to a long tenure in the non-profit sector, beginning with the Media Institute, a Washington think tank. From there she entered the philanthropic community, with positions at the Hitachi Foundation and the Council on Foundations, and then helping to direct several local family foundations as a consultant. In 2007 she earned the Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University.

Ann was a tireless fund-raiser, especially for charities serving poor children and families. She established an annual yard sale to benefit Alive! House, a family shelter in Alexandria, volunteered with the Inova Alexandria Hospital Auxiliary (Twig), and solicited corporate support for the annual homelessness walkathon in Washington, DC. In 1996 she was given a volunteer award for her work with For Love of Children (FLOC), and in 2018 was named a Northern Virginian of the Year for her charitable work. She was best known for her unfailing humor, gourmet cooking, and remarkable ability to make and keep friends.

Ann was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Jean Matikan, and is survived by her sister, Harriet Cutler of Glastonbury, CT, and her fiancée, Patrick G. Grasso, of Alexandria. 

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ann's honor may be made to Alive! House or S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat). Please see the links below for details.

Temporary Housing for Women & Families in Alexandria VA (alive-inc.org)

Home :: So Others Might Eat (some.org)

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