Schools
Edmonds Teacher Remembered Fondly
Services to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church for Madrona K-8 teacher who died in a car crash near Leavenworth.
On the day her life ended, GayLynne Ullerich of Edmonds was on her way to do something she loved – taking in the outdoors and enjoying recreational opportunities. The 49-year-old teacher died on Saturday when the car in which she was a passenger went off the road on U.S. Highway 2 near Leavenworth.
Ullerich was a health and fitness teacher at Madrona Middle School in Edmonds. Her husband, who was the driver, and their two teenage children survived the accident. The Washington State Patrol is still investigating.
“She was just an incredible person who touched so many people,” said Sharon Excell-Schierle of Lynnwood, a close friend. “The whole family just loved being outdoors.”
Excell-Schierle attended a candlelight memorial service for Ullerich on Sunday at Madrona, an event arranged by students. She estimates about 1,500 people were in attendance, sharing memories of their beloved P.E. teacher. Many found out about the memorial through Facebook pages devoted to Ullerich.
Madrona principal Linda Fischer posted an announcement on the school’s website: “This is such a tragedy, and I hope you each will join me in holding her precious family in your hearts and prayers,” she wrote. “Though devastating, I know we will get through this together as a Madrona family. I will forever remember GayLynne’s wonderful, healthful energy, caring heart and quick smile and I, like you, will miss her dearly.”
Fischer said that extra counselors will be at the school on Tuesday to speak with students. There is no school today because of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
In addition to her school activities, Ullerich was involved in Girl Scouts and worked part-time at REI in Lynnwood.
A memorial service, to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood, is pending.