Victoria M Saul

On April 19, 2023, Victoria Mahinay Saul passed away in Bremerton, Washington at the age of 88.
Born March 3, 1935, to Eulogio (Leo) and Sevrina Mahinay, Victoria grew up the oldest of 6 siblings in Hinunangan, Leyte, Philippines. Orphaned at a young age, Victoria overcame immense hardship in her youth as she tirelessly worked to keep her siblings together. Eschewing gender norms and embracing her entrepreneurial spirit, Victoria opened a bar, called Vicky’s Place, in Cavite City, Philippines. It was there that she met her future husband, Lawrence “Bill” Saul for the first time. The two married in May 1966 and embarked on a beautiful life together.

Bill’s military service brought the couple to Kitsap County where they put roots down in Port Orchard with their daughter, Cherlyn. Immigrating to the United States brought challenges, all of which Victoria confronted head on. Fluent in Visayan and Tagalog, Victoria learned English and found work at the Retsil Veterans Home, where she worked for 26 years. After immigrating, Victoria recognized a need to build community and became a founding member of the Filipino American Women’s Association of Kitsap County. She cultivated lasting friendships through bowling leagues, Christmas caroling, and marathon Bingo nights. And, armed with tenacity, patience, and a firm belief in the American process, Victoria petitioned for many of her siblings and their families to immigrate to the United States. As Victoria embraced her new home, she found kindness throughout Kitsap County. Recognizing this, she actively gave back through memberships at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Port Orchard Eagles, Visayan Club of Kitsap County, and Filipino American Association of Kitsap County.

When she wasn’t bolstering her community, Victoria created beautiful things. A dedicated fine thread crocheter and skillful at ceramic work, she took pride and pleasure in the details of her creations. But nothing paralleled her exquisite garden. Victoria spent glorious Pacific Northwest summers executing the careful planning she had done through the drizzly winter months. An explosion of color and fragrance, Victoria’s garden was an oasis for butterflies, hummingbirds, and anyone she invited over for iced tea.

In retirement, Victoria relished traveling back to her native Philippine Islands. She cherished exploring her adopted country and countless National Parks with her beloved husband. But above all else, she treasured her time with her family. Victoria’s mind was at ease and her heart was full when her family gathered, her table overflowed with Filipino food, and laughter poured from her house and echoed through her garden.

Victoria is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Bill” Saul. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cherlyn and Dean Milne; and granddaughters Stephanie Milne-Lane (Josh Lane) and Sarah Milne (Brad Fairweather).

Victoria’s family will honor her with a small, intimate service. A larger gathering will be held at a later date.