For parents who flipped through the City of Morgan Hill Recreation Guide in search of a healthy activity for their child or themselves, Sifu Arceli Bell’s variety of self-defense and karate classes often caught their eye.
From Lil’ Dragons Karate to Kempo Karate classes for all ages to anti-bullying and safety courses for teens and adults, Bell helped nurture self-confidence and strong character among hundreds of local residents during her nine-year career with the City.
However, when classes resume this week, Bell, 48 — who passed away in the early morning of March 30 due to complications from acute respiratory distress syndrome — will no longer be leading the instruction.
Her daughters Deeanna , 19; and Priscilla, 22; posted on the CRC Kempo Karate Facebook page, stating: “Unfortunately, some things are just out of our hands, but it’s a comfort to know that she is at peace now, and is happy and healthy with The Lord.”
Bell, who started out as a volunteer before taking over as head instructor nearly a decade ago, taught classes at Morgan Hill’s Community and Cultural Center before moving over to the Centennial Recreation Center.
“Sifu Arceli will always be in our hearts and what she taught us will remain with us for the rest of our lives,” reads an April 5 Facebook post from one follower.
Bell’s funeral was held April 7 at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. She was laid to rest with military honors at Mount Hope Memorial Park in Morgan Hill.
The CRC Kempo Karate Facebook page is filled with postings and pictures from Bell — as well as fellow instructor Sifu Marieta De La Cruz — recognizing students for advancing in their belts and participating in tournaments.
In 2012, Bell’s Karate Demo team performed at several community events, including the Get Fit event at the CRC and the one-year anniversary celebration at the Morgan Hill Public Library in July.
On Dec. 2, 2012, there is a Facebook photo of Bell announcing that she passed her test to become a third degree black belt.
Bell also held a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from San Jose State University and worked as an instructional aid for special education in the Morgan Hill Unified School District.
Donations to help Bell’s family can be made at:
1) www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online (no transaction fee and sends money directly) send to
pr**********@ya***.com
2) http://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/nj52/arcelibell (7% transaction fee)
3) By depositing into account number 3025092796 at a Wells Fargo Bank
