Obituary: Joana Camacho

Joana Camacho-Matthynssens, a former associate superintendent for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, died March 15 at the age of 62.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 1, 1963, she was the third of four children born to Jose Camacho and Clemencia Rodriguez Camacho. Joey, as her family called her, spent much of her early life growing up in Atlanta, before the family moved to Houston when she was 17. After high school, she joined the United States Marine Corps, where she met the love of her life, Bruce Matthynssens. They married Jan. 7, 1989, and have two children, Luisa and Michael. 

After her honorable discharge from the Marines, Joana attended Houston Baptist University. Shortly after graduating, Joana and Bruce moved to Oklahoma City, where she fulfilled her true passion and life’s calling: beginning her teaching career at Saint James the Greater Catholic School in 1994.

She stepped away from the classroom in 1999 when Michael was born. She obtained a Master of Education in leadership from Newman University.  After obtaining her master’s degree, she served as principal of Villa Teresa Catholic School for one year, before leading Sacred Heart Catholic School as principal from 2003 to 2016.

Upon leaving Sacred Heart, she moved into the role of associate superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, writing policy handbooks and creating forms still in use today. She mentored many people over the years, but took the most joy from mentoring new principals.

She served as interim principal at three schools within the archdiocese. She tutored children as a Title I teacher and served as an instructional coach to many. Additionally, her involvement in national programs sponsored by Notre Dame University, such as Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI), helped many enroll in Catholic schools and Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) to become Catholic school educators. She concluded her career as the office manager at St. Philip Neri Catholic School.

Always humble, few knew that she was the National Catholic Education Region X Principal of the Year in 2011. She was also recognized as a Distinguished Alumni from Houston Baptist University. 

Joey, Joana, JC, Ms. Camacho was a true light in the lives of all who knew her. She loved her family and friends deeply, and lived her values of compassion, community and faith.  She loved M&Ms, Skittles and peppermint ice cream. She greeted everyone with a smile, and many claimed her as a best friend.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce, son Michael, daughter Luisa and grandchildren Athena and Leonardo. Her extended family includes her brother, Jose Camacho of Atlanta, her sister Yvonne Camacho of Houston, niece Bianca Pesoli of Houston, nephew Benjamin Davis of Frederick, Maryland, and nephew Joseph Camacho of Atlanta, as well as great nieces and nephews Angie, Noe, Jacob, Landon, Jackson, Cannyn and Emilia.