Jill Meissner

The Angels came for Jill Trix Meissner Mannino early Sunday morning April 10th 2011, a month after her 48th birthday. Jill fought a long and valiant battle against brain cancer.

Jill was raised in Santa Barbara where she attended Marymount School, Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara City College. She graduated with a Fine Arts Degree from The California Art Institute. Her loving husband, Jay, met his bride in Arizona where she worked for Bondurant Racing School - Jill was an avid race car driver. But her true passions in life were horses and cattle. She was a supreme horsewoman who enjoyed her equine companions and the amazing people they led her to. She was a devoted cattlewoman who raised cattle with Jay on The Mannino's Rockin M Ranch, near Lake Shasta. Her favorite way to spend the day would be to ride out in the hills in the morning and go fly fishing in the afternoon.

Jill was a most beloved daughter, devoted wife, and amazing friend. She was always the friend you could count on to be there when you needed something. We all appreciated her generous spirit and her zest for life, even after her cancer diagnosis. She was truly a gracious woman. Jill would want us all to learn from her experience. Live every day to the fullest! Go and do, and don't have regrets - life is too short.

Jill is survived by her adoring family: Jay Mannino, and his two sons Jason and Christopher, Lydia Meissner Klocke & Eberhard Klocke, and Mike Meissner.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jill's name to Marymount School of Santa Barbara (2130 Mission Ridge Road, Santa Barbara 93103), American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/), Hearts Adaptive Riding (P.O. Box 30662, Santa Barbara 93130) or any charity close to your heart.

Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels. Please join Jill's family for A Celebration of Life on May 7th at 11:00 am at Montanaro Farms in Los Olivos.