Lucille Violet Grossini, 82, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2010. Lucille was born to Steve and Mary Begg on February, 17, 1928 in Lompoc. Born and raised in the Lompoc Valley she had a great love for her family and horses.

Her horse training began at an early age when her talent was recognized by her grandfather, Jim Olivera, Sr, and he taught her everything he knew about horses. She rode horses for Jim Short, a local equestrian. While riding her horses one day she met her future husband, Richard Grossini. They were married for 63 years. She spent her life as a homemaker and continued to pursue her passion for horses and her other farm animals including chicken and cats. She helped Richard raise oat hay and their small herd of beef cattle.

Lucille was a 4H Horse Leader, a member of Santa Barbara County Sage Hens, Saddle Skirts, and the past president of the Santa Barbara Cattlewomen's Association (formerly known as the Cow Bells). She trained horses and trained a palomino stallion named Senor Sol that many men believed a woman had no way of accomplishing. She proudly provided riding lessons for adults and children, rode in parades, competed in horse shows, gymkana events, competive trail rides, participating in womens riding groups, and she loved gardening. "The best medicine when you're feeling down is to get on a horse and ride into the mountains" was a saying she often made.

Preceding her in death was her beloved brother Harold "Buddy" Begg who was lost during World War II, her parents and grandparents, and her uncle Richard Olivera. She is survived by her husband, Richard, her daughter Judy (Ray) Cagianut of Newport, Washington; her grandchildren, Tina (Phil) Bass of Sterling, Ohio and Brian (Jolene) Cagianut of Parker, Colorado; and great-grandchildren, Vincent Bass, Hayden and Kiley Cagianut.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10am at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Reverend Monsignor John Fitzgerald as the celebrant. A reception will follow the service.

Memorial contributions can be made in the name of Lucille V. Grossini to the local American Heart Association, Hearts Adaptive Riding Program, P.O. Box 30662, Santa Barbara, CA 93130, the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, c/o Mary Ann Evans, P.O. Box 33 Solvang, CA 93464 or a charity of your choice.