Angela Trish Soleno, 44, of Lompoc, passed away on Jan. 5, 2025. Born March 2, 1980 to Louis Soleno and Bessie Isaksen, Angela was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and most recently, a grandmother.
Raised in Orcutt, Angela spent her childhood summers traveling across the USA, Canada and Mexico with her father Louis, her brother Michael, and her grandmother Anita.
Her love for adventure knew no bounds. A true explorer at heart, Angela kept a bucket list on her fridge— a collection of dreams she had already turned into reality.
Scuba diving, skydiving, bungie jumping, buying a horse, and making her own wine were just a few of the goals she accomplished, each one marked off with pride. Her passion for life and adventure never waned, as she continued to dream of new journeys to take.
In 1996, at a young 16 years of age, Angela embarked on her greatest adventure of all: motherhood. Her daughter Veronica Ellena Cavazos was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. “A fighter,” Angela would proudly say.
As a young single mom, Angela felt a renewed sense of determination. She was committed to creating a life filled with love for her family.
In 1998 she began working at McDonald’s in Santa Maria. She was promoted to store manager in 1999. While working there she met her now ex-husband Erik Pedersen. The two married in July 2001, and in January 2003 they welcomed their son Trenton Michael Pedersen. Despite divorcing in 2004, the four of them would continue to take frequent Disneyland trips together.
In early 2000, Angela left McDonald’s and joined Daniel’s Jewelers at the Santa Maria Mall, where she worked for several years.
In 2006, while dining at a small Italian restaurant in Carmel, Angela ordered a glass of wine and that one moment, that one sip, changed the trajectory of her life.
Realizing she needed to pursue this newfound love, Angela transitioned into the wine industry by accepting a position as project manager at Consilience Wines in Los Olivos.
At the same time, she enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology program at Allan Hancock College, where she began formulating her plan of attack for her first vintage which would begin in 2008 and be released in 2013.
Angela was the owner and winemaker of Turiya Wines. As a single mother, full-time employee, student, part-time bartender, and wine writer, Angela, supported by close friends and family, braved her first harvest with a newfound respect for the meticulous work of winemakers. The process was challenging, but proved to be one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures of her life.
In 2012 she got the opportunity to be the caretaker for Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, a role she could balance alongside her winemaking. One woman, two children, 12 ostriches, many goats and two horses, she managed the property for a year and a half.
In 2014, Angela relocated to Lompoc, where she found a permanent home for Turiya Wines. She spent nearly 17 years in the wine industry, immersing herself in the craft she loved and connecting with the people of the surrounding communities.
In early 2024 Angela received news that she would be a grandmother. This re-lit her fire to “build an empire,” and she dove headfirst into the cannabis world. She was in the process of acquiring Leaf Dispensary in Lompoc, where you would often find her smiling behind the counter with her dog Lulu.
Angela’s vibrant spirit and love for life shone through in all that she did. Whether dancing at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez with her daughter, belting out karaoke with friends at a local dive bar, or playing piano or guitar in her living room while her son Trenton sang along, Angela was always full of energy and joy.
On slower days, she’d snuggle up with her Great Dane Lulu, indulging in the cheesiest reality TV shows she could find — “a good life balance,” as she would say.
Her strength, love and determination were evident in every aspect of her life, from navigating challenges to turning her dreams into reality. Angela’s infectious spirit and unwavering commitment to those she loved left a lasting impact on everyone around her.
Angela is survived by her daughter Veronica Ellena Cavazos (Mikey Gutierrez) of Arroyo Grande, California; son Trenton Michael Pedersen of San Luis Obispo, California; granddaughter Ravenna Jae Gutierrez; father Louis Soleno of Santa Maria; mother Bessie Isaksen Bollag of Eugene, Oregon; brothers Michael Soleno, Joey Bollag, Sam Bollag, Bruce Betty (Lori); and sisters Jennifer Soleno, Charlotta and Adrienne Betty.
She is preceded in death by her stepmother Sheila Martinez Soleno, and brother Maximilian Bollag.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4 at Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang.
A reception will immediately follow the service and will be held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton.
Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.