Charice Ann Morel
1931-2026
Charice Ann Morel passed away at the age of 95 in August 2026, one day before the one year anniversary of the passing of her husband, Dr. Arthur Morel. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children, Marsie Peters, Chuck Morel, Marion “Dodie” Maney and Art Morel, Jr., as well as their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her daughter, Melissa Morel, passed away in 2020.
Growing up in Spokane, Washington, Charice was very active in ballet, Girl Scouts, and school clubs and was a drum majorette for her high school. Charice spent a year at the University of Montana before moving to New Orleans, Louisiana with her parents. She entered the Charity Hospital School of Nursing where she met Art Morel, a young medical student attending LSU.
After only three months of dating, they were married on New Year’s Eve Day and that marriage lasted over 73 years.
The family moved to Santa Barbara in 1962 where Charice happily settled into the role of wife, mother and eventually, grandmother and great grandmother. She taught by example to do your best, to try new things, and to be kind, thoughtful and accepting of others. She acted as family historian and bound us together through stories and food.
Charice and Art shared an enviable marriage, based on mutual respect, kindness, and always striving to put the other’s needs ahead of their own. As an active and youthful couple, they enjoyed tennis, skiing, backpacking in the Sierras, sailing, dirt bike riding, and traveling. They frequently included their children’s friends in these activities and new acquaintances were always welcome. They were very involved in the local wine community and had many lifetime friends.
Charice had a creative and curious mind and a heart bent on helping others. So beyond juggling five children, she pursued her own interests such as Sumi-e with her beloved instructor, Mrs. Yamamoto, as well as oil and watercolor painting. She was a docent at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a Braille Institute volunteer, an avid antiques collector, an eclectic jewelry designer, and a dollhouse making aficionado. She prepared several classes for the adult education program at City College, most notably, a series called, “Aging: How To Prepare and Embrace It.”
Charice was a remarkable woman who made everyone around her a better person. She was a good listener, a sound confidante, a welcoming hostess, and a supportive and gentle spirit.
She will be remembered in many hearts for her beauty, her blue eyes, her sense of humor and her cheerful disposition. Rest in peace, Charice. Be at peace with Art in heaven. We cannot wait to see you again.
