Pierce County Council is mourning the loss of Tacoma City Council Member Catherine Ushka, known for her fierce advocacy for underserved neighborhoods and her tenure on various community leadership roles. Officials confirmed the sad news earlier this week, with a statement recognizing her as a "dedicated and passionate community leader," as per the press release.
In her capacity at the helm of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Board of Health, Ushka worked to ardently to improve the health and well-being of local residents. She is remembered most for her dedication to the Eastside and South End areas of Tacoma, where she pushed tirelessly for equitable distribution of city resources and investments. A testament to her efforts came just last month with the opening of Catherine Ushka’s Gas Station Park in honor of her work.
Ushka's commitment to her community was clearly voiced in what has now become one of her final public declarations. "I was thrilled to advocate for this space. Now – watching the kids play and hearing parents and neighbors talk about how the park makes their lives better – that’s award enough for me. That’s why I serve, and serving this community that I love has been the greatest honor of my life," said Ushka, as reported by the Pierce County Council's official statement.
Aside from her political accomplishments, Ushka was also a former U.S. Navy Reserve member, a component of her multifaceted career of public service which additionally included key roles such as eight years on the Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors. There, she relentlessly strove to uplift students and the educational framework, including a three-year stint as the board's president.
As the Pierce County community grapples with this loss, the County Council has extended "its most heartfelt condolences to her friends and family," acknowledging the deep void left by Ushka's passing, as per the Pierce County Council. Known for her tenacity and being a voice for the voiceless, Ushka's imprint on Tacoma's landscape is set to be a lasting one, shaping the city she served with such fervor. She is survived by her friends, family, and the many individuals who benefitted from her commitment to public service.
