Francisca Parker; Lifelong Equestrienne

Francisca “Paquita” Parker, a granddaughter of Adolfo Camarillo, died at her home in Ojai after a long battle with cancer. She was 69.

Parker was born in Ventura on March 26, 1930. She was raised in Ventura and spent a lot of time on her grandfather’s ranch in Camarillo.

Camarillo was the founder of the Ventura County city bearing his name. He lived in a large house on Mission Oaks Boulevard and farmed 10,000 acres while raising white horses. Parker developed a lifelong love of horses on her grandfather’s ranch.

Parker moved with her husband to Ojai in 1955. She was active in several organizations, including the Santa Barbara Cowbelles, Sage Hens, the Dutch Warmblood Assn., the American Driving Society and the American Horse Show Assn.

Parker was a longtime member of the California Dressage Society and recently completed her second term as its president.

Parker is survived by her husband of 45 years, Harold Parker of Ojai; a daughter, Ynez Parker LaDow; three sons, Harold Parker Jr., Michael Parker and Bruce Parker; and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura. There will be a rosary at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalen in Camarillo. Burial is private.

Donations can be made to the farm section of the Ventura County Museum of History and Art.

Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura is handling the arrangements.