Marian Elise Ulatoski-Matson was born Nov. 5, 1961, and died June 22, 2004. She was the wife of Kenneth W. Matson of Bothell and the daughter of Brigadier General (Ret.) Joseph R. and Edith W. Ulatoski of Vashon. She died at her home in Bothell after a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer.

Elise was an avid reader and loved music, animals and her garden. She enjoyed downhill skiing, white water rafting and even some sports parachuting. Family members say she will always be remembered for her smile, her positive attitude, kindness, generosity and sense of humor — traits that were particularly apparent throughout her illness.

In addition to her parents and husband, survivors include her sisters Kari Ulatoski of Vashon and Lauren Ulatoski-Root of Bellevue, her brother-in-law Justine Root and her nephew Aldous Root, also of Bellevue.

At Elise’s specific request, no formal services are planned, but she hopes her friends will remember her by donations to Overlake Cancer Auxiliary Foundation at 1035 116th NE, Bellevue, Wash. 98070 or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at 1900 Northlake Way, Suite 135, Seattle, Wash. 98103.

Elise will be greatly missed by all of her family and her many friends, including the canines in the family: Hobbs, Bear, Buckley, Hunter, Pepper and Rex.