Edith Weekes Ulatoski, cherished wife of “General Joe,” beloved mother of Elise, Kari and Lauren, and wonderful grandmother to Aldous Root, passed peacefully on October 2nd 2024, at the age of 94.

Not many people knew she was a graduate of the University of Nebraska and was the only woman in advanced Physics among eight male students and excelled in her studies. After graduation, she moved to California and became a lab technician in Salinas. It was there she met her future husband.

She loved to hike and be in the outdoors and spent many dates in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The young woman from Nebraska had no idea when she married Joe in 1953 that she would travel around the world, creating a loving home for her family almost every year or two as they relocated.

She would rise to meet every challenge she faced. Innovative and creative, Edie supported her husband in his career both actively and behind the scenes. Well before the women’s liberation movement gained recognition, Edie had to fight for her rights and deal with those who did not want to honor the Power of Attorney she held while Joe was away on four tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

When Edie and Joe moved to Vashon about 24 years ago, she began to create a haven for wildlife and raised her gardening vision to new heights. A researcher at heart, Edie enjoyed studying the plants she loved: roses, hostas, Japanese maples and conifers. Finding a new specimen and giving it a home was one of her great joys. She would spend hours digging and weeding in her yard with her canine pets around her.

Edie made enduring friendships and was enthusiastic in her love of Vashon. Six months after moving into their house, she remarked that she had made more friends during that time than all 25 years in their home in Bellevue. She became active in the old Vashon Maury Island Community Council and participated in the Land Use Committee. She was a staunch supporter of Preserve Our Islands, VIPP and Haven.

Edie had an enduring love of the arts and sciences, history and gardening, which held her in good stead throughout her life. A fierce advocate for her children, Edie encouraged them in pursuits that enriched their lives. She left each one with a unique legacy. Before dying in 2004, her daughter Elise graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wells College, which Edie attended before transferring to the University of Nebraska. Because of Edie’s inspiration and support, Lauren became a successful cellist and cello teacher. Edie also encouraged Kari in her artistic endeavors and instilled her with a passion for gardening, especially of roses. Aldous fondly called Edie his “badass Grandmom” and she enjoyed time with him and was proud he is attached to Special Forces stationed on Okinawa.

Throughout their married life, Edie was Joe’s anchor and Joe was hers in a loving marriage that lasted 71 plus years. She is survived by her husband, Brigadier General Joseph R. Ulatoski (retired); and her children Kari Ulatoski, Lauren Ulatoski Root and Staff Sargeant Aldous Root.

Please join the family in a celebration of her life, at an Open House on November 2nd, held from 11a.m. until 4p.m. at 27407 94th Ave SW at their home on Maury Island.