Patsy Lee Graziani

Patsy Lee (Moxness) Graziani, beloved mother and friend passed away in the early hours of January 21, 2013. Born in Van Nuys, California to Jacob Oliver Moxness and Delia Dorothy O’Neil on August 18, 1934, Patsy was the older sister to one brother, Nels Michael Moxness whom she loved with all her heart. To know Patsy was to know that she lived her life to fullest. Her motto was “Life is not a dress rehearsal” and she would remind you of this fact often, especially if she felt you were not taking advantage of what life had to offer you. Patsy spoke of her childhood with great affection and love. She recalled often the wonderful summers of sailing on the family sailboat to Catalina Island. Sometimes just the family, sometimes with best friends, but always with an abundance of fun. Upon graduation from high school, Patsy attended College of the Pacific in Stockton, California where she received her degree in Home Economics and also obtained her teaching credentials. She also met her future husband, William Graziani at COP. Patsy and Bill were married in 1958 and in 1964 moved to Carpinteria. They were soon blessed with a daughter, Melinda Catherine in 1965 and three years later with a son, James Douglas. This same year they completed construction of the family home where Patsy would live for the rest of her life – second only to her children, her house was her pride and joy and she loved to share it with everyone. Patsy raised her children the way she was raised, with love, understanding and instilling a quest for knowledge and adventure. Every St. Patrick’s Day, while most children were in school, Patsy took her children on an adventure day in Southern California…exploring things like the La Brea Tar Pits, Union Station, Olvera Street, the Museum of Art, the Getty, Santa Monica Pier and so many, many known and unknown places. Singing and music were a huge part of Patsy’s life and she cherished her singing days with the Santa Barbara Sweet Adelines Chorus. Patsy also joined the Santa Barbara City College Chorus and traveled with them to London, Italy, Australia, China and Ireland…combining music with her love of travel was the perfect mix. She loved the energy of the young members of the chorus and was always in awe of their singing abilities. Patsy was a staunch supporter of all things Carpinteria. She was a longtime member of California Women for Agriculture and so loved the ladies that worked so tirelessly to promote and advocate the agriculture business in our beautiful valley. She made sure she was as involved as possible in all the CWA activities, always wanting to do her part. With her daughter Melinda and her husband Peter involved so deeply with the Plaza Playhouse Theater, Patsy jumped in as a huge supporter – acting as a one woman promoter for upcoming events, she would call everyone she could and make sure they knew what was playing. Patsy cherished her family and wore her pride for them on her sleeve. She adored her children and her son-in-law Peter and made very sure everyone knew how proud she was of all of them. Her loving family will always be grateful for the care, wisdom, fun, and love that she provided to them. Patsy is survived by her two children, Melinda Bie and Doug Graziani of Carpinteria. Patsy also leaves behind her beloved son in law, Peter, whom she adored and was so very proud of. A great example to us all, Patsy’s smile, wit and kindness will be deeply missed. Her guidance, support and love will always be cherished by those of us who were so fortunate to know her. Donations in Patsy’s name may be made to the Carpinteria Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, the Plaza Playhouse Theater or to the charity/cause of your choice. A celebration of this wonderful lady’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Carpinteria Community Church, followed by a reception at the family home.

Patsy Lee Graziani

August 18, 1934 - January 21, 2013