Shelby Grace Counts

Shelby Grace Counts, age 88, of Middle River, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at her home. Born on July 18, 1937 in Dickenson County, Virginia, she moved to Maryland in the late 1950’s and resided there the remainder of her life.

Beloved Mom to Donna Keller and Douglas Counts and wife Trish.

Cherished Mom-Mom to Rebecca Brunelle and husband Jon, Shaun Counts and wife-to-be Heather Clark and Brian Counts.

Doting Great Grandmother (GG) to Aden and Alex Brunelle, and Lily and Jaxson Counts.

Survived by her sister, Mildred Westfall and brother, George H. Counts, Sr. and wife Patricia A. and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill Counts. As well as her parents, George and Etta Counts, and brothers Silas, Burke and Carl.

Shelby will be remembered for her positive attitude, warm heart, generous nature and for having an overall love of life. She enjoyed puzzles, working in her yard/garden, and feeding the birds and “critters”. She was a great cook and loved preparing holiday and game day meals as well as huge breakfasts which always included “toast mountain”. She always thought of others and never discarded anything if she could find a home for it. Above all, she was the heart of our family and will be deeply missed.

Friends may call at the family-owned Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P.A., 1407 Old Eastern Avenue, Essex, Maryland 21220, on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment Holly Hill Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Shelby's favorites included St. Jude’s's Children Hospital and The National Wildlife Federation.