Mikele Stander Carter, 92, passed away on April 1, 2026 while in residence at “Your Life of West Melbourne.” She had suffered a long course of illness due to her colon cancer diagnosis. She resided at Treetop Village in Melbourne Beach, Fl after moving from her Blairsville, Georgia home that she had shared with her husband of 42 years, Adam Paul Carter. He preceded her in death on November 26, 2011.

Mikele was born in New York City on August 31, 1933 to her father, the famous actor, Lionel Stander, and her mother Lucy Dietz Stander. She was an only child from that union.

Mikele was a pioneer for women’s rights, in that she sought employment as a policewoman in Miami, Florida in the 1960’s, a time when there were few women employed in that profession. Mikele was a graduate of Hunter College, New York City, and the University of Miami, Miami, Florida. She earned the distinction of becoming the first female sector sergeant in the world (1971). Mikele received many honors for her pro bono work as a lawyer, and after retiring as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami (1983), she set up her private practice in Blairsville, Georgia.

Mikele will be remembered as a” tough as nails” personality who lived life on her own terms. She is survived by her son, Peter Christopher Aydelotte (Melbourne Shores, FL) DIL Anna Chavoustie Aydelotte (Melbourne Shores, FL), and daughter, Cindy Jo Aydelotte Collins (Melbourne, FL) and step-daughter Wanda Carter-Price (Davenport, FL) , half-sister, Bella Stander (Redhook, NY). Grandchildren: Jason Aydelotte, Erin Aydelotte Garrett, Alexandra Aydelotte Berger, Jillian Aydelotte, Adam Price, Wilson Collins, and Ashley Collins, and nine great grandchildren.

Her Life Celebration Memorial will begin with a gathering 10 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Davis Seawinds Funeral Home, 560 Montreal Avenue, Melbourne, FL and a service to start at 10:30 a.m.. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations, as preferred: the National Wildlife Federation, the ACLU, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, or the Democrat National Committee.

Condolences and memories for the family may be made at www.DavisSeawinds.com.