Barbara LaCroix of Meadowbrook Farm dies at 82

Barbara LaCroix, who operated Meadowbrook Farm in Florida with her family, died Monday, according to her son, David LaCroix.

Barbara LaCroix was 82 and died of complications of Alzheimer’s disease, David LaCroix said.

Born in Portland, Ore., LaCroix developed Meadowbrook Farm with her late husband, Joseph, in the early 1950s. The farm was sold in 2006.

The family stood stallions and bred Thoroughbreds, including Prized, the winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park; Brocco, who won the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita; and Ladies Din, a millionaire and Grade 1 winner. Meadowbrook raced Prized in partnership. Brocco and Ladies Din raced for others.

In the 1960s, Meadowbrook raced Ampose, who won the Gulfstream and Illinois handicaps.

Meadowbrook Farm spread across 640 acres and bred more than 65 stakes winners. Meadowbrook Farm-owned horses were trained in California by David LaCroix, who left training in 2010 and now owns horses.

Funeral services were held in Hollywood, Fla., on Thursday. Aside from David, Barbara LaCroix is survived by another son, Donald, and three grandchildren.