Our beloved, Charleen Ann Morales, peacefully departed this earthly life at the age of 80 on August 10, 2026, at her home in Casselberry, FL.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Morales (Gregory Coutts) of Casselberry, FL; Grandchildren Christina Gordon (Jonathan) of Melbourne, FL, and Adam Lamme of Casselberry, FL; as well as her cousin Belinda Wadas of Altamonte Springs, FL. She is preceded in death by her husband, Miguel Morales.

Charleen was born in Canton, Ohio on February 20, 1946, to John Phillip Waltz and Catharine Constance Coxey, where she spent her idyllic and cherished childhood. Though she was a true Midwesterner, as she would tell anyone who asked, she left her familiar roots behind for the big city, choosing to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of St. Louis and then later completed her master’s in social work at the University of Georgia.

Char’s passion for Social Work led her to first work for the Ohio Department of Children and Families, while later in her career she worked for Catholic Social Services where she relocated Vietnamese families to the United States after the Vietnam War. In addition, in the early 80’s she worked in adoptions as she placed many orphaned Chinese baby girls with families in the United States. Later in her career, she worked for the Center for Independent Living, advocating for individuals with disabilities for all of the necessary accommodations to live in equal opportunity in both their careers and everyday life. Char would later find her ultimate passion with Hospice and helping those at the end stage of life.

After 27 years in Hospice, Char retired in September 2020 at age 74 as a hospice social worker at Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, FL. She loved serving others, especially helping people as they transitioned from this life to the next. She had a natural gift with patients, and many former co-workers have shared fond memories of her visits with patients and families, and of the love and joy she brought to each encounter. Char cherished hearing her patients’ life stories and connected with each person in a meaningful way. The impact she made on so many lives is immeasurable. Her legacy will live on, reminding us to choose a life filled with meaningful acts of love and service, just as Christ modeled for us.

Char was bighearted, vibrant, and full of light. She welcomed everyone with an open heart, open arms, and a constant smile. She loved her family, her faith, and singing, and she carried an adventurous spirit that often exceeded what anyone might expect of a woman in her late 70s. Her family meant everything to her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished her special bond with her daughter. She was deeply involved in her grandchildren’s lives, helping raise them and proudly attending many of their school and sporting events. Char also adored her canine companions, especially her dachshunds, Zuzu, who preceded her in death, and Winnie the Pooch, who now lives with dear family friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, colleague, friend, and dog lover. Char touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Char was a woman of deep faith. As a charter member of Adoration Church, she found joy in one of her greatest passions: singing, worshiping God, and sharing her voice with others. She sang in the Easter choir for several years and loved attending church, praising God, and encouraging those around her. Char was a blessing to all who knew her.

Char loved a good party, so we invite her friends and family to gather and celebrate her wonderful life. She would have loved to be remembered through beautiful, funny, and even silly stories that honor the joy and blessings of her life. Please join us for Char’s Celebration of Life at New Covenant Church on September 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 800 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL 32708.

Char’s grandson, Adam Lamme, played an intricate part in her end-of-life care as he gave of his service to his grandmother for 2 years foregoing his career. As a trained EMT, Adam chose to put his own plans and career on hold to care for his grandmother as her health declined. His decision was both a tremendous sacrifice and a profound act of love, especially because Char had spent much of her life caring for the health and well-being of others. In caring for her, Adam was able to return the compassion, and devotion Char had so generously given to others. We know how much this meant to Char to have Adam by her side and in lieu of memorial donations, we are asking for donations to be made for Adam to help him jump start his life and career in this transitional time. This fundraiser will help Adam move forward in his career and take an important step toward independent adulthood. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Adam for anyone who would like to contribute at Honoring Charleen’s Memory Through Adam’s Future