Karen Sjursen-Barber, 70 of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Saugerties, NY, born on November 19,1954, passed away suddenly on August 9, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family.

Karen had a passion for boating, cooking, traveling, Bingo, but most of all, spending time with her family, and friends.

Karen worked at Rotron for many years, then moved onto a career at IBM, where she was fortunate, to take an early retirement in 1991. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Saugerties Hook & Ladder, Saugerties Bowling League, and Rotron EMS team.

Karen met her soulmate, Captain Chuck Barber in 1991, when they decided to head out to sea on their 41' Morgan sailboat, with Karen as his first mate. They sailed throughout the East coast and into the Caribbean for a year & a ½, looking for a new place to call home. That place was Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, FL., where they lived aboard their boat for a year, before purchasing their house.

Karen's love for the water and boating took her onto her next career as the Assistant Harbor Master at Burnt Store Marina, while their boat charter business evolved with Capt. Chuck at the helm. She then proceeded to get her real estate license, successfully rising to be one of the top selling agents, before moving onto her second retirement. After retirement, she became an active member with the American Legion, the Moose and Eagle where she met some of her closest friends, who became family.

Karen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Captain Chuck Barber, and her parents, Karl and Mary (Boydd) Sjursen. She is survived by two sons: Glen and Frank (daughter-in-law, Donna) Thorne, two brothers: Buddy (& Sheila), and Bruce Sjursen, two sisters: Sandy (& Joe) Fisco and Lorine (& Derick) Karabec, along with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In accordance with Karen's wishes, she has been cremated. There will be a celebration of life held in both Florida and New York, at a later date. Details will be posted on Karen's Facebook.