Victoria Anne Mucha was born March 14, 1985, in Rochester, MN and died February 16, 2026, in Mazeppa, MN at age 40. She graduated from RCTC in 2003 speaking at graduation as the Student Senate President at the same time as graduating from Byron High School. She furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor's degree in English and Social Justice from St. Kate's, where she was a TA and active in the student senate. She then headed to Hamline Law School for her JD, graduating in December of 2008 and being admitted to the MN Bar in May of 2009. Victoria also obtained her Masters in teaching while living in NYC, and had recently resumed classes to finish her Masters in Public and Non-Profit Administration. It made her so proud that she even very recently shared her homework with her mom and dad!

From a very early age, Victoria loved dance and practically lived at Janet Lang Dance Studio. And when she wasn't at the Dance Studio, she was at a nearby pool or beach. Her most favorite times were the annual turquoise water, white sand, and endless sunshine vacations with her mom. Victoria was strong willed even before she was born, had a thirst for knowledge, and transformed into a very passionate person – especially when it came to being an advocate for social justice. She had a strong work ethic that began when she got herself a job as the neighborhood newspaper delivery girl at about age 12… without her mom's knowledge!  Victoria began her professional career as a Law Clerk for the City of St. Paul and then moved on as department chair for a paralegal program at a Hennepin County Junior College. She ran for Goodhue County Attorney in 2010 before moving to NYC to start her teaching career. She taught 5th and 6th grades at several charter schools for disadvantaged students in both NYC and then back in the Twin Cities – she loved the big city life! Victoria had recently gravitated back to her Catholic faith at the Basilica in Minneapolis and became involved in the St. Phoebe's Footsteps ministry. She will be remembered as a strong-minded yet delightful, caring, and compassionate young woman.

Victoria will be lovingly missed by her parents Leon (Deb) Mucha and Kelly (Steve) Merrick, Grandma Deanna Sanden, stepsiblings Christine, Matt, Emily and Nick, plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, an aunt, and an uncle.

A Memorial service for Victoria will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service.