Victoria Mandac Obituary

Victoria L. Mandac

March 10, 1944 – June 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Victoria (Vicki) Lee (Batin) Mandac, who left us peacefully surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Sunnyside, Washington. Vicki was born on March 10, 1944, and spent her life in Wapato, Washington.

In 1960, Vicki met the love of her life, Apter (Don) Mandac, and the two were married soon after. Together, they lived in Wapato before moving to Oahu, Hawaii, to be closer to Don’s family. Their deep love for the Pacific Northwest eventually brought them back to Washington, where they settled on the Batin Farm on Campbell Road, which became their forever home.

Vicki was a hard worker, not only in her career but also on the farm. She dedicated countless hours helping maintain the farm and supporting her family in every way possible.

Her career in education began in 1973 when she became a teacher’s assistant with the Wapato School District while pursuing her degree in Education. She earned degrees from Heritage University, Central Washington University, and Oregon State University. Vicki's dedication to the district was unwavering, and she took on various roles, including Tutor, Elementary Teacher, and Special Education Specialist, ultimately retiring in 2010 after 37 years of service.

Vicki had a deep love for the sport of basketball. She was a loyal fan, regularly attending games for Wapato, Toppenish, and the State Tournaments at the Sundome. However, her greatest joy was watching her children and grandchildren play sports, always cheering them on with a heart full of pride.

Family was the cornerstone of Vicki’s life, and her love for her OHANA (family) was immeasurable. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She will be remembered for her big bear hugs, the games she lovingly planned for family celebrations, and, of course, her secret candy stashes. Vicki was an enrolled member of the Yakama Tribe and a proud member of St. Peter Claver Church, the Yakima Valley Filipino Hall, and an avid Walmart shopper. Her home was a gathering place, a space for holidays, family events, and most importantly, a place for loved ones to hang out.

Vicki is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, ApterMandac, her son Joe Mandac, daughters Angelina Ruiz (husband Jose), Domina Mesplie (husband JoJo), and Chris Mandac (fiancé Alisa). She is also survived by her brother Pedro Batin (wife Tina), as well as eight grandchildren: Miguel Mandac (fiancé Selma), Sophia Ruiz, Jose Ruiz, Nathan Mesplie(wife Ashley), Riley Mesplie, Joshua Mandac, AminalaniMandac, and Mailea Mandac. Additionally, Vicki is survived by four great-grandchildren: Layannee Walker Mesplie, AdamarisMesplie, Milo Mesplie, and Wrenlee Mesplie.

Vicki is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Violet Batin; her sister Juanita Yadao; and her brother David Batin.

A viewing will be held at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Peter Claver Church, with burial to follow at Wapato Reservation Cemetery