Lucia ‘Lia’ Kathleen Biondo; 1993-2025

Lia Biondo, of Washington, D.C., passed away unexpectedly in Billings, MT. It was the day after her 32nd birthday and she was preparing for one of her favorite activities in the world—a trail ride under the big Montana Sky. Lia was the wife of Dante Joseph Swallow of Washington, D.C., and the daughter of Angelo and Kathy (DeWeese) Biondo of Michigan. Lia is survived by her brother, Frank (Ashley) Biondo; her sister, Diana (Mitch Darga) Biondo; her grandfather, Fred DeWeese; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. She was predeceased by grandparents, Francesco and Lucia Biondo, and grandmother, Diana Obara.

Lia grew up in Shelby Township, MI, and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2011 and from Michigan State University in 2015, where she studied environmental studies and agriscience. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue her passion for agriculture, animals and the environment. While working for Western Skies Strategies for almost a decade, Lia served the U.S. Cattlemen’s Associate as director of federal policy and later as executive vice president. In this role, she was a dedicated and passionate advocate for cattle, rangelands and the American West. In her most recent role, she served as the senior analyst in agricultural policy at the Library of Congress.

Lia was always a free spirit. Horses were the center of her life from an early age. She fell in love with them at age three and by age six, she was already taking riding lessons. At age 11, she experienced every little girl’s dream, getting her first horse, Alfa. Lia later went on to own Penny and Baby Belle; these would be three of the greatest loves of her life. She rode for her high school’s equestrian team and brought home countless blue ribbons and trophies. Lia loved all animals, and will be especially missed by her beloved Australian Shepard, Jax, who lived life glued to her hip.

A scholarship in Lia’s name is being established by Western Skies Strategies honoring her steadfast belief in encouraging women to pursue education in agriculture and natural resources. Checks payable to Western Skies Strategies (note: “in memory of Lia”) may be mailed to Western Skies Strategies, 109 North 27th Street, Suite 600D, Billings, MT 59101.