Shelly Karten
Born on December 9, 1949 in Poughkeepsie, New YorkPassed on December 6, 2025 in Palm Bay, Florida
Shelly Karten, a loving sister, aunt, and lifelong friend to many, passed away on December 6, 2025, just three days before her 76th birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.
Born on December 9, 1949, Shelly grew up in New York, where she developed the sharp wit, independence, and straightforward warmth that became her signature. She later made her home in South Florida, building a long and dedicated career as a maintenance professional with the Miami Dade Transit Authority, from which she proudly retired, with many awards. Her colleagues remember her as reliable, meticulous, and always ready to lend a hand.
Shelly was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), a community that brought her pride, purpose, and lasting friendships. Proudly supporting those that serve others.
She is preceded in death by her mother Katherine Theresa Bruce Campbell and father Jud Karten survived by her sister Donna Sharpe, her brother Phillip Karten, her nieces Lisa Canada and Stacy Sharpe, and nephew Christopher Karten, numerous great nieces and great nephews, along with extended family on both her mother’s and father’s sides. Though she had no children of her own, Shelly loved her family in her own steady, unmistakable way and will be missed by all that loved her.
Services are January 3rd 2026, Calling hour 1pm to 2pm, with funeral services following from 2pm to 3pm at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home 1010 Palmetto Ave Melbourne FL 32901 Graveside internment at 3:30 at Fountainhead Memorial 7303 Babcock St SE Palm Bay FL.
