Tacoma pays tribute to City Council member Catherine Ushka, who died Wednesday
Tacoma City Council member Catherine Ushka died Wednesday.
Friend and colleagues have been paying tribute to Ushka, remembered as a fierce advocate for Tacoma.
Here is a sampling:
Victoria Woodards
Tacoma mayor
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Council Member Catherine Ushka. She will be remembered by many for her works seen and unseen. Here in Tacoma, she will be especially remembered for her fierce advocacy for the Eastside and South End, her willingness to stand for those whose voices are so often left out, and putting her hands in the dirt as well as rising to the highest levels of policy to make lasting change.”
Chantell Harmon Reed
Director of public health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
“We are greatly saddened to learn that our Board of Health Chair, Catherine Ushka, has passed away. In only a short time under her Board leadership, her legacy is clear.
“She was tirelessly committed to the Department’s mission of protecting and improving our community, especially in health equity and racial justice. Her legacy will continue to influence our Health Department for years to come.”
Keith Blocker, via Facebook
Former Tacoma City Council member
“Our community has lost a true giant today.
Catherine Ushka was a dear friend and a shining example of what it means to live with integrity, compassion, and an unstoppable commitment to justice.
Catherine had a gift for seeing the best in people and situations, no matter how challenging. Her presence had a way of making everyone around her feel heard, valued, and inspired to be their best selves.”
Ryan Mello, via Facebook
Pierce County Council member and former Tacoma City Council member
“Lifting up the life well lived and amazing public service of Catherine Ushka. Rest well in power sister.”
LUX Coffee, via Facebook
“Deeply saddened to hear of Catherine Ushka’s passing, she was a great champion of Tacoma, and our neighborhood. She was an outstanding councilwoman, neighbor, and person. ❤️❤️❤️”
The Rev. David Strong, via X
Executive Director NAMI Pierce County
“We lost a community servant leader, Catherine Ushka, who always had a smile on her face and words of encouragement. [I] was able to share these words with the family as we commend her back to God. ‘but he shall give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways’”
We lost a community servant leader, Catherine Ushka, who always had a smile on her face and words of encouragement. 
I was able to share these words with the family as we commend her back to God.
“ but he shall give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways”— David Strong, (@RevDavidStrong) May 16, 2024
