Penny Lynn Karbel, 70, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away peacefully at home, after a life marked by resilience and quiet strength.
Born and raised in Michigan, Penny was known for her quick wit, kind heart, and fiercely independent spirit. She loved good conversation, a sunny beach, and finding humor even in the hardest of times. Those who knew her best will remember her for her honesty, her stubborn streak, and her ability to make people laugh when they needed it most.
Penny built a meaningful life in Florida, surrounded by friends who became family. Her dearest friend, Kelly Downey of New Port Richey, stood by her through it all, sharing laughter, memories, and unwavering friendship. Kelly’s son, Joel, also held a special place in Penny’s heart.
Penny is survived by her daughter, Nicole of Howell, Michigan; her brother, Jody Barrons of Harrison, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kandi; her husband, Paul; her parents, Leland and Edith Barrons; and her siblings, Pamela Rush, Ronald Barrons, and Larry Barrons.
Though time and distance sometimes separated Penny from family, she is remembered with love and gratitude for the strength, humor, and heart she brought into the world.
A private internment will be held at a later date at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI. In her honor, those who knew her are encouraged to share a story, a smile, or a small act of kindness — just as Penny so often did.
Tina Brantley
October 26, 2025, 3:39 am
So many great memories with my aunt Penny spending the summers at her home watching my cousins Kandi and Nicole. Holidays at grandma and grandpa’s house making Christmas cookies her and grandma made it look so easy. I will miss you so much and I am so glad you are not in pain anymore. Love you Tina ♥️
Kelly Downey (bestie)
October 26, 2025, 6:19 am
I miss your smile and your “good morning beautiful” you were my light my heart and my bestie and you always will be. I love you more then I could ever say. Thank you for always being by my side. We went to the movies and left it early cause it was awful. As we left it was so dark then so light we lost our balance Penny fell i fell over her and at the same time my shoes flew off like in slow motion then our popcorn flew thru the air also in slow motion. Penny and I were laughing so hard we couldn’t even ask to help us. When the manager came over she was so worried we were gonna sue them which made us laugh even harder. Once we got up we both started hysterically laughing they gave us free popcorn and tickets to come back. We laughed about this for years. I will always and forever remember that laugh and the fun we had. My babygirl “love you more”
RIP my sweet angel.
Eric Barrons
November 3, 2025, 9:21 pm
Condolences to anyone that feels the loss of Penny. It is a bit of a struggle to summarize anyone’s life in a few words, but in Penny’s case it is more difficult than most. So much history and so many stories that if it was a book, you probably wouldn’t believe it. Wishing everyone the best to overcome the grief.
Tiffany Simpson
November 11, 2025, 9:10 pm
Penny was one of my favorite members I had the privilege of working with. I enjoyed our visits. Even while she was feeling down we always had great conversations and she always tried her hardest to stay positive. She’s a special lady that I’ll remember forever.
Melodee Messersmith
March 6, 2026, 7:49 pm
Oh my friend so many memories of us living in Brighton, Mi at the apartments . I just now found out you ha passed . I will miss your laughter and all the crazy times we had . Gonna miss you my friend . RIP .