Karen Brown Carpenter

Karen Carpenter passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, at the age of 79, at Country Meadows of Frederick. Born in 1946 to Mary Smith and Robert Brown, Karen spent her early years as a proud “military brat,” living in many places around the world. She later embraced military life once again, marrying Patrick Carpenter and spending 50 years as a devoted military spouse. Together, they made homes in New York, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Florida, and Germany.

Karen dedicated more than 30 years to public service, with her most beloved role as Executive Secretary to the Commandant of the Special Operations School at Hurlburt Field, Florida, where she served faithfully for 16 years.

An avid traveler, Karen also cherished the simple joy of garage sales. For many years, Saturday mornings meant rain-or-shine adventures with friends across Okaloosa County, in search of treasures and bargains. After suffering a stroke in 2013, she discovered a new passion in jigsaw puzzles, a hobby she enjoyed daily until just weeks before her passing.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters Paula (Grayson) Pike of Lynn, IN, and Jennifer (Robert) Effler of Brunswick, MD; her grandchildren Rachel (James) Cullen, Garrett (Lexie) Pike, Zachary Pike, Robert Effler II, and Crystal (Shawn) Foles; and 10 beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished sister Joy (Stephen) Swensen, Jill (Steven) Butler, and Jan Livingston; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as lifelong friends she made across the globe. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick, who lovingly cared for her after her stroke until his passing in 2017.

For the last eight years, Karen made her home in the Pathways Unit at Country Meadows of Frederick, where she received compassionate care from the dedicated staff. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to them for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spectre Association in support of the Patrick Carpenter Scholarship Fund, in memory of Karen. Donations may be sent to: PO Box 707, Mary Esther, FL 32569.

Interment will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL on Thursday, September 25th at 11:30am