Ann Margaret Hovland, 76, of Mukilteo, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2026, following a heart attack and stroke.

Born in West Seattle, Washington, to Bert and Elsie Goodman, Ann graduated from West Seattle High School in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Washington in 1972. Education remained a lifelong calling. She worked as a para-educator at Serene Lake Elementary School and Olivia Park Elementary School, where she supported students and teachers for many years.

On December 16, 1978, Ann married Mark Hovland. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. She was a devoted mother to Matthew Hovland and Melissa Hovland, and warmly welcomed their spouses, Nicole Hovland and Asher Loverdi, into the family. Her greatest joy in recent years was being Nana to her grandsons, Leif and Ozzie, who brought light and laughter into her life.

Ann had a remarkable gift for bringing ideas to life. She was the person to call when you needed help planning, organizing, or creating something special. With creativity and determination, she made elaborate projects appear effortless. She led Melissa’s Camp Fire group from kindergarten through senior year of high school, guiding and encouraging young women along the way.

She had a wide circle of friends and a rare ability to make each one feel remembered and included. She loved meeting her children’s friends and always asked for updates about the people who mattered to them. Her friendship with Cindy French began when they were young mothers and endured for decades, a bond so deep that Ann became “Grandma Ann” to Cindy’s grandchildren as well.

She loved opening her home, whether hosting Monday night wrestling gatherings for her son’s high school friends or preparing her famous eggnog pie and Chex Mix during the holidays. An avid sports fan, especially of the UW Huskies and Seattle Mariners, she traveled to Cooperstown to celebrate the Hall of Fame inductions of Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. She cherished her community, treasured time in Maui, and adored her Shih Tzu, Bella.

Ann will be remembered for her creativity, loyalty, and deep love for her family and friends. She had a gift for helping others feel seen and valued, and that legacy lives on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Hovland; her children, Matthew Hovland and Melissa Hovland; her daughter-in-law, Nicole Hovland; her son-in-law, Asher Loverdi; her beloved grandsons, Leif and Ozzie; and a wide community of extended family and friends who will miss her deeply. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s memory to PAWS Wildlife Center.