Karen Elaine Cornell Nygard

Karen Elaine Cornell Nygard, 73, born on January 23, 1953, in Houston, Texas, passed away on June 23, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas, after a lifetime defined by resilience, independence, and an unwavering love for life. 

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Christopher John Nygard; her former husband, David Wayne Nygard; her parents, Gloria Mae Cornell and Walter Fletcher Cornell; her brother, Bryan Dean Cornell; sister Cynthia Anne Cornell, and her nephews, Shane Cornell and Keith Cornell. 

She is survived by her loving daughter, Wendy Colleen Nygard Norman, and Wendy’s husband, Keith Norman; her grandsons, Austin Chase Norman and his fiancée, Chloe Byerly, Ethan Nygard, and Corbin Nygard; her brother, Bruce Alan Cornell and his wife, Delia; and her nieces, Celeste Teal Cornell and Kristina Cornell. 

A dedicated professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, Karen built a successful career as a licensed U.S. Customs House Broker for more than 25 years. She also fulfilled her love of music by owning a record store, sharing her passion with others. Never one to stop learning or allow age to define her, she earned her certification in medical billing in her sixties, proving that determination and curiosity could carry a person through every season of life. 

Karen was fiercely independent and fearless when forging her own path. She lived in Germany for a time and embraced the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. She also fulfilled a lifelong dream by living in Galveston for several years, waking each day near the ocean she loved so deeply. Adventure called to her constantly, whether it meant driving to the beach on a whim, embarking on a solo journey to Yellowstone, or taking a cruise alone and returning with new friends. She found joy in writing poetry, camping, nature, music, and books, and often spoke of pulling over on quiet roads simply to watch the sun set across the horizon. 

A true child of the 1960s and 1970s, Karen never lost her free spirit. She affectionately described herself as “a flower child gone to seed,” carrying that sense of wonder and independence throughout her life. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and possessed a generous heart that would give whatever it could to help someone in need. 

Karen’s life was marked by extraordinary perseverance. As an infant, she was sent home as a baby with little hope of survival, yet she defied every expectation and thrived. A decade ago, she received the gift of a second chance through a heart transplant. Though later faced with kidney failure and the challenges of dialysis, she met each obstacle with courage and determination. In the end, after years of fighting with remarkable strength, her body could endure no more. 

Those who knew Karen will remember a woman who embraced adventure, cherished freedom, and refused to let circumstances define her. Her legacy is one of grit, generosity, curiosity, and love. 

Her daughter offers these words in farewell: 

“Mom completed her long journey and finally made it home. Her poor, broken body is whole again. She always said she was a flower child gone to seed, and I know those seeds are now in full bloom. I picture her dancing among the flowers, her long hair flowing, shining and laughing as she reunites with all those she loved and lost. Fly high, Momma. This is not goodbye forever. It’s just until I see you again. I love you.”