Margaret Ann Roels Talarico

Ann Talarico

Ann Talarico lived a life full of love and adventure! Her strength and open arms endeared her to others, while bringing a sense of peace to those around her. Her dignified character stayed consistent even in the hardest of moments, and her friends and family will carry Ann in their hearts eternally.

Born Margaret Ann Roels on Oct. 19, 1952, in Liverpool, England, Ann or Anneke, spent the first eight years of her life in the Belgian Congo. Her memories of that time were fond; especially those involving the wild animals and the astounding beauty of the natural areas that surrounded the scientific research center where her parents worked. Her first languages were French, Flemish and Swahili. English was learned during a year she spent in Nashville while her father was on a sabbatical, and she later became fluent in Spanish. Her facility with languages enabled her to interact positively with people throughout the world who were drawn to her intelligence, kindness and beauty of soul. She loved traveling and was fortunate to be able to do so both before and after marriage and children.

Ann was always athletic. She began a lifetime of joy riding horses at the age of five. She competed in all equestrian disciplines except Grand Prix until her most beloved horse, Raven, became too old to trail ride. She also loved tennis and Pickleball, hiking, skiing, golf, swimming and snorkeling. One of her fondest memories was her last snorkeling day, where she swam with her grandsons and sea turtles off the coast of Kauai last summer.

Ann was educated at The Catholic University of America and at The Ohio State University, where she received masters' degrees in city planning and public administration. She particularly enjoyed her years administering block grants promoting urban neighborhood beautification in Aurora, Colorado.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Carmen. He was so smitten by her charm he told her they would be married on the day they met 55 years ago. She is also survived by her loving daughter, Leslie; and adoring son, Matthew; their spouses, Stephen and Andi; and five grandchildren, Cypress, Orlin, Walden, Barrett and Finley Mae.

She defied nearly all odds, leading a very full life for five years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She led her last year still fighting with quiet grace and dignity. The family thanks Shelly Erdmier and Pamela Blocker, her infusion therapists who filled her sessions with love and tenderness.

Special thanks go out to her phenomenal caretakers, Tamika Reed and Renae Clark. She was also blessed with evening caretakers, Vera Holmes and Roberta McGiver.

Stephanie Schleicher was a true friend who took care of Lucca, her best ever canine during so many moments of need.

Hospice of the Golden Isles allowed her to transition gently.

Memorial services will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, October 4, 2025