Longtime, beloved Tri-Cities teacher, past union president dies
A beloved Tri-Cities art teacher and education advocate has died.
Jocelyn “Joce” Berriochoa, 72, of Pasco, died on Dec. 31 after a short bout with pneumonia, said her husband of 50 years, Mike Berriochoa.
She taught art for three decades at Park Middle School in Kennewick, and later served her colleagues as president of the Kennewick Education Association, the teachers union for the Kennewick School District. She served from 1996 to 1997.
“Joce was a fiery advocate for Kennewick teachers. She will be missed by those that knew her,” a KEA spokesperson wrote. “We love you, Joce!”
Berriochoa was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., but called the Tri-Cities home for the past 48 years.
Tri-Citians remembered her on social media, describing her as a wonderful woman, adored by those who knew her.
“Joce was an amazing teacher, colleague, and union rep. My sympathies to her family and past colleagues,” Diane Kaul Sundvik wrote.
Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home, Kennewick, is handling her arrangements.
This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 11:43 AM.
