KAREN MICHELE MORRISON of Houston passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the age of 58.
She was born in Dallas, Texas on November 7, 1949 to Jack B. and Nelda Morrison. She grew up in Beaumont, enjoyed her involvement in high school band and orchestra, and graduated cum laude from Forest Park High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas and her MBA from the University of Houston in Clear Lake City both with academic honors. She took great pleasure in her affiliation with the Society of Women Engineers and distinguished herself by earning many accolades, but more importantly she served as a role model and groundbreaking female in her field.
Karen’s lifelong love of science spanned thirty-five years in the aerospace industry. After two years at TRW in Houston, she embarked on a fulfilling career at N.A.S.A. by contributing her many talents in various positions. Over the years her versatility and experience made her an invaluable contributor on numerous projects and she was responsible for important functions including coordinating and implementing an integrated risk management system for Space Life Sciences products and services that are delivered to the many NASA programs including the Constellation Program, the Human Research Program, the Space Station Program and the Space Shuttle Program. She was also a very productive and respected, key member of several Johnson Space Center teams, including the Project Management team, the Systems Engineering Working Group and the Software Engineering Process Group. Karen was always a person that could be depended upon and would always get things done in a quite and consistently excellent manner. Karen was well known as a caring, diligent, and patient person who wanted to make sure that the right things were done and that everyone's concerns were heard and understood. She was a joy to work with and will be missed by all.
Karen was a devoted friend and companion to her beloved mother. She was delighted by the time she spent with her family, especially her niece, nephews, and cousins. She took an active part in sharing in their lives and accomplishments.
Karen was preceded in death by her father; and cousin, Chris Skladal; and survived by her mother, Nelda Morrison Massey; stepfather, Dr. James L. Massey, of Beaumont; and sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Tom Livengood of Houston. Other survivors include niece, Michelle Livengood of Houston; nephews, Scott Livengood of Dallas, Mark Livengood and Bradley Livengood of Houston; aunt and uncle, Dodie and Conrad Skladal; cousins, Stacy Skladal and Sara, Curtis, and Grant Sifford, all of San Antonio; aunt, Catherine Morrison of Beaumont; and uncle, Gilbert Morrison.
A graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association on the Karen M. Morrison tribute page at honor.americanheart.org or to the charity of your choice.
