Mary Lanzisera Partridge

February 1st, 1913 – November 7th, 2010

Mary Lanzisera Partridge died November seventh peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family and friends. She led a long, active, adventurous life full of service, courage, and determination.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, she later traveled extensively around the country with her husband of 25 years, the thoroughbred horse trainer, John Brock Partridge, maintaining homes on Long Island and in Miami, Florida. For the last twelve years she lived near her daughter and son-in-law on his family’s ranch near Gaviota.

After her husband’s death in 1965, she completed her studies in art history, focusing on American historical homes. For 32 years she volunteered as a docent at Villa Viscaya Museum and Gardens, serving as president of the guides for many years. At 85 years old, she moved to California, began an intensive study of Santa Barbara history, and became a docent for the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and the Trust for Historic Preservation where she was a guide every Thursday at Casa de la Guerra. She was an active member of Old Mission Santa Inez.

A remarkable woman and an inspiring mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend she will be greatly missed by her daughter, Marianne Partridge, son-in-law James Poett, grandchildren Elizabeth and Justin, Elizabeth’s husband, Austin Campbell, her niece Candida Canfield, and grandnephew Daniel Berman as well as her many wonderful, loving friends.

A memorial mass will be held this Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 11am, Old Mission Santa Inez in Solvang, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, or Visiting Nurses & Hospice Care in Santa Barbara.