Kathlyn Kornberg Tixier

Kathy Tixier of River Ridge, Louisiana passed away at the age of 57 on July 4th, 2016, in Houston, Texas from the side effects of five months of chemotherapy. She faced sarcoma cancer with the same tenacity and commitment as she had in approaching all activities throughout her life’s journey. Kathy Tixier was born in Portland, Oregon to Dolores and Burton “Paul” Kornberg. She attended college at the University of Colorado Boulder and then joined Shell Oil Company where she met the love of her life, Charles Edwin Tixier. They were married on November 24th, 1990 and had one daughter, Emily Nicole Tixier. Together with Emily and her step-son Luke, they moved to the New Orleans suburb of River Ridge in the summer of 1994. It was here in the Louisiana soil and heat where Kathy came to a full bloom. She lived a rich and loving life with her husband, cultivated and shaped a beautiful and accomplished daughter, and became the coordinator and lynchpin in keeping their extended families close and connected. She led a fulfilling and successful career at Shell Oil Company, moving from an individual contributor to a leader and developer of employees who came to trust her for the genuine, kind woman she was. In retirement, her roots spread as she threw her entire self into community activities. She paraded with the Muff-a-lotta dance troupe, cooked with and learned from a community of world-class chefs, and acted as a New Orleans tour guide for her many out-of-town visitors. She spent her summers at Lake Okoboji, Iowa, where she forged new friendships and interests, such as bird watching, identifying wildflowers, swing dancing with her often-offbeat husband, and organizing small cooking lessons to share favorite recipes between friends. Kathy had an innate sense of right and wrong that guided the way she lived her life, steered her family, and interacted with her coworkers and friends. She was genuine, honest, and fiercely loyal. As a result, she was trusted. She was inclusive, nurturing, and collaborative. As a result, we felt safe to explore, learn, and grow. She was energetic, positive, and fun. As a result, we found joy in everything we did. In the end, she was loved by all who knew her. As we grieve the passing of Kathy from our care to the loving arms of our Lord, we celebrate the life she lived, the growth we felt from having shared in her life, and the example she left us to live life in the fullest. She taught us to strive to make a difference in the lives of others and to always trust in God. Kathy is survived by her husband Charles Tixier, daughter Emily Tixier, step-son Luke Tixier (Jenny), sister Kris Kopper (Steven), and brothers Eric Kornberg (Debra) and David Kornberg. A memorial service is planned for Tuesday July 12th, 2016 at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church 10021 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123. Visitation will occur between 11:30AM and 1:00PM, and Mass will begin at 1:00PM. She will be buried at Metairie Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated. Kathy requested donations to http://www.crowdrise.com/team-Tixier/fundraiser/kathytixier. Sarcoma Foundation of America 9899 Main St., Suite 204, Damascus, MD 20872