Grace Adriano

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Mandac Adriano, age 51, on November 19, 2025, after a two and a half year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones and friends at her home when she crossed over.

Grace was born on Christmas Eve in 1973 in the province of Isabela in the Philippines to Proceso and Leonora Mandac. She moved to the U.S. in 1981, graduated from Rainier Beach High School in 1993, from the University of Washington with a BA in 1997, and again with a Master of Public Administration in 2000. She believed in housing as a human right, and this led her to a career at King County Housing Authority.

There, she impacted thousands of people. Her work included developing and advancing economic justice initiatives and strategic partnerships. Grace cared deeply for colleagues and clients. She was a keen listener and strategic thinker, widely respected and known for her quiet strength, thoughtfulness and dependability. She worked there for 22 years, to her last day.

Grace is survived by her two children, Caleb and Ethan; Joseph, her husband of 22 years who cannot imagine life without her; and her siblings, Pina, Raul, Pamela, Juliet, and Felino. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Nova.

Grace was a wonderful, beautiful, serious yet funny, caring, and compassionate woman. Her Methodist background led her to believe that her faith in Christ should result in action. To that end, she valued human dignity, peace, and acceptance. She went on short-term missions to the Philippines and volunteered her time in leadership, administrative and educational roles at Methodist churches in Seattle. She attended Beacon United Methodist Church for many years, and in her final years was a member of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church.

Grace loved to garden and make things grow. Flowers, fruits and vegetables were her yield. Her rosemary plants have been growing for nearly eight years, and her hydrangea plants are going on 23 years. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for friends and family. Her sons will miss helping her to bake banana muffins and Christmas gingerbread cookies, and her husband doesn't want to ever eat someone's homemade salsa, meatloaf or adobo again because he cannot believe anyone else's versions can equal hers.

A memorial service to celebrate Grace's faithfully led life will occur at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church, at 3001 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144, followed by an inurnment at 12 PM at Bonney Watson (16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188), succeeded by a reception therein. Viewing will occur at Bonney Watson on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 12:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Grace requested that donations be made toward the education accounts for Caleb and Ethan.

Grace's family thanks all of those who loved her or knew her as a friend, for the support and prayers given during this sorrowful time. We ask that you remember Grace fondly, and spread the kind of love, faith, care, and friendship that she showed to so many.