Carol Lynn Clark Relis

Carol Lynn Clark Relis Date of Birth: April 23, 1941 Date of Death: August 29, 2026 City of Death: Carpinteria, CA April 23, 1941 - August 29, 2026 Carol Lynn Clark Relis, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at GranVida Senior Living and Memory Care in Carpinteria, CA. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and sports fan, whose quick wit and sharp sense of humor will be deeply missed. Carol was funny, engaging, and passionate about following her favorite baseball, basketball, and football teams (Go Bruins! Go Dodgers! Go Lakers! Go ‘9ers!). Carol was a jazz and classical music enthusiast, a serious Dr. Pepper lover, and a shopaholic when it came to furniture and clothes. Carol enjoyed her vast flower garden and watching local birds, bunnies, and butterflies from her front porch. Carol was known for her generous spirit, a staunch supporter of her family and community. Born in Salina, Kansas, to Lynn and Dorothy Clark, Carol spent her early childhood on a farm with her older sister, Janis. The Clark family later moved to Portland, OR, briefly before finally settling in Long Beach, CA, where Carol spent most of her childhood and later graduated from Wilson High School in 1959. Carol attended UCLA as an English major and physical education minor. In college, Carol was interested in Shakespeare, classic American novels, and spending time with her Pi Beta Phi sorority sisters. After graduating with her BA in 1963, she earned her teaching credential from CSU Long Beach. In 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Peter Relis, and they settled in Carpinteria, CA, where she began her teaching career as a PE teacher at Carpinteria High School. For years, she was a stay-at-home mom and raised her children, Lisa, Lori, and Matthew. When she returned to work, she went on to teach English and history for over 10 years at La Cuesta High School in Santa Barbara. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Peter. She is survived by her sister, Janis Smith, and her three children, Lisa Nakasone and son-in-law Ryan, Lori Lemos and son-in-law Kelly, and Matthew Relis and daughter-in-law Sarah. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Sophia and Luke Nakasone and Isaac, Aaron, Christian, and Oliver Relis. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carol Relis’ name may be sent to Santa Barbara Audobon Society.

Carol Lynn Clark Relis

April 27, 1941 - August 29, 2026