Karen Jane Costa, age 58, formerly of Albany, California, and more recently Eureka, California, died unexpectedly of heart failure at her home on June 16, 2026.

She was born Oct. 30, 1967, in Oakland, California, to Rachel Malanche Karnes and Kenneth Willis Karnes.

After graduating from Albany High School, Karen started a job as an aide at Ala Costa Centers in Berkeley, where she worked with children and adults with disabilities. Later, she was a care provider with In-Home Supportive Services, both in Alameda and Humboldt counties. Her lifelong drive to help others was inspired by her older brother, Kenny, who was born with a developmental disability.

Karen also had a deep passion for animals and went out of her way to help lost or abandoned cats or dogs whenever she was able. She was politically aware and always kept up with current events. She loved doing art and crafts and going to the casino. She was also an avid Oakland Raiders fan.

Her son, Quentin, was “the brightest star in the sky for Karen,” according to her longtime partner, Joel Shelton.

Karen is survived by her partner, Joel Shelton of Eureka; her son, Quentin Shelton of Eureka; and her sister, Elizabeth Cooper of Salem, Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Kenny; and her infant son, Jackson Kenneth Shelton.

No service will be held. Karen will be forever missed.

Those who would like to make a donation in Karen’s memory are encouraged to contribute to Sequoia Humane Society or Uplift Eureka, a program that made a big difference in Karen’s life during the last few months..

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Karen Costa’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.