SOUTHLAKE, Texas – Karen Fochler Lyman, a woman of timeless elegance and grace, passed away on April 15, 2026.
Born on July 20, 1953, in Chicago, Ill., Karen was the beloved daughter of Charlotte and Howard Fochler. She was raised in Northbrook, Ill,, where her early years reflected the poise and refinement that would come to define her throughout her life. Karen was, in every sense, classic, known for her impeccable style and the dignity she carried into every room.
Karen shared a deep and enduring love with her husband, Elias “Tay” Lyman, whom she charmingly met on a commuter train in Chicago. Their partnership was one of devotion and warmth, and together they built a life centered on family and shared values. They were blessed with a son, Niel, who was a source of immense pride and love.
A devoted daughter, wife and mother, she leaves behind her brother Craig Fochler (Sandy) of Evanston, Ill, nieces Stacey Nelson (Scott) of Mundelein, Ill, Brooke Gallagher (Rob) of Evanston, Ill, nephew Kyle Fochler (Devin) of Palatine, Ill, cousin Ed Fabiszak (Mary Lou) of Bristol, Ill, cousins by marriage Will Lyman (Anastasia) of Jamaica Plain, Mass., and Ted Lyman (Marsha) of Williamsburg, Va., Karen was an exceptionally devoted sister-in-law and co-guardian of Alison Lyman of Lake Zurich, Ill.
A woman of intellect and ambition, Karen attended Loyola University of Chicago, earned her MBA from Lake Forest College of Lake Forest, Ill, and built a distinguished career in corporate finance. She approached her professional life with the same dedication to excellence that marked her personal world. However, her passion lay with her family and she devoted herself to them over the years. After living in Northbrook following her marriage, Tay’s career moved the family to Mission Hills, Kansas, Lincolnshire, Ill, and for the last 30 years, Southlake, Texas. Since her marriage she spent her summers at the family cottage in Greensboro, Vt.
Karen cultivated a rich array of interests and talents driven by service to others. She was involved in her community wherever she lived. She took great pride in her association with various United Way organizations, Junior League of Kansas City, Mo., various PTAs in Southlake, Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (G.R.A.C.E.) of Grapevine, Carroll Education Foundation of Southlake, Christmas is for Children of Southlake, and Mount Saint Joseph of Lake Zurich, Ill.
She found particular joy in gardening, both in Texas and Vermont. She created and nurtured her gardens with the same care and attention she gave to all aspects of her life. Karen continued her father’s passion for photography, especially Vermont nature and wildlife, and from her many travels. She always retained her curiosity and never stopped learning, was a prodigious reader and left behind an extensive library.
Karen made deep and lasting friendships wherever she lived. She was quick to lend a helping hand, and put others’ interests ahead of her own.
Karen will be remembered for her elegance, her strength, her courage in the face of adversity, her infectious smile and the enduring beauty she brought into the lives of those around her.
Services will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, on Friday, May 1. A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. A celebration of life will be held in Greensboro, Vt., this summer on a date to be determined.
She is and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Saint Joseph, Lake Zurich, Ill (mtstjoseph.org).
