Priscilla Cannon Schwab, beloved educator, community leader, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully at her home in Lake Stevens, Washington.

Born Kimiko Priscilla Berganio in Hilo, Hawaii, to Magno and Doris Berganio (both deceased), Priscilla’s life was one of service, achievement, and dedication to others. A 1956 Salutatorian graduate of Hilo High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Arts degree from California State University at Long Beach.

Priscilla began her distinguished career in education in the Long Beach Unified School District, California, where she served as an administrator from 1960 to 1972. She then moved to Richland, Washington, where she continued her vocation as a passionate educator and retired as a school principal from the Richland School District. Her outstanding contributions were recognized in 1987 when she was honored with the National Distinguished Principal Award, representing Washington State, and the Washington State Award for Excellence in Education.

A committed leader in professional and civic organizations, Priscilla served as President of the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington and of the Benton Franklin School Retirees Association. She was a recipient of an Honorary Membership in the California State PTA for her contributions to education.

Beyond her professional achievements, Priscilla was deeply involved in community service. She held numerous leadership roles in Kiwanis International, including President of the Kiwanis Club of Richland and Lieutenant Governor of Division 54. She was honored with the George F. Hixson Fellow Award for Distinguished Service. Her community involvement extended to service on the Boards of Directors for the Salvation Army Tri-Cities and the Tri-Cities United Way Allocation Board. She also supported the arts as a dedicated Richland Community Concert Worker.

Her commitment to fellowship and service was further reflected in her deep involvement with multiple fraternal and philanthropic organizations. She held prominent roles in the Order of the Amaranth (Past Grand Royal Matron of the State of Washington, and Deputy Supreme Royal Matron of the Supreme Council), the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and the Social Order of the Beauceant. She also served as Past President of both P.E.O. Chapter DF and Beta Sigma Phi in Richland, WA.

Priscilla was married to William C. Cannon, Senior Research Scientist at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, from 1960 until his passing in 2007. In 2014, she found love again and was married to Anthony Charles Schwab on July 19.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Anthony; her loving son Mark and his wife Marissa of Richland, WA; her sister Doris Sugarman of Owings Mills, Maryland; and many dear friends and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Bret.

Priscilla’s life was a testament to service, compassion, and leadership. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her passion for community engagement, and the warmth and strength she brought to all who knew her.

A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.