CHAMPAIGN - With heavy yet joyful hearts, we share the passing of Mimi Cozad, 85, of Champaign, who died Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Mimi was born on Aug. 26, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo., to Martin and Bea Tieman. As the daughter of a U.S. Army colonel, she spent much of her early life moving across the country and abroad. Her childhood was marked by a rich and diverse set of experiences, including time in Japan and Germany, before she graduated from high school in Cairo, Ill.
She went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she met V. Dale Cozad. They married and settled in Champaign in 1963, building a life centered on faith, family and community. Together, they raised two children and later welcomed four grandchildren. Mimi and Dale were deeply involved in their church and community and were beloved members of the Champaign area. They were married for 35 years until Dale's passing in 1993.
In 1999, Mimi married Mal Nygren. They shared a love of travel and quality time with family and friends until Mal's passing in 2015.
Mimi had a lifelong passion for fashion, which she turned into a successful career as the owner of two boutiques, Pappagallo and The Dressing Room. Her creative spirit and keen sense of style were a hallmark of her personality.
Vero Beach, Fla., held a special place in Mimi's heart. It was a cherished second home for her and Dale and became a favorite vacation spot for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - a tradition that continues to this day.
Mimi found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and creating lasting memories together. She was also a devoted animal lover, especially of dogs. Her chihuahua, Honeybea, was her constant and loyal companion. Known for stopping to greet any dog she passed, Mimi's warmth extended to all creatures, great and small.
At the center of Mimi's life was her unwavering faith in Jesus. Her relationship with him guided her daily life and interactions with others. A devoted prayer warrior, Mimi was a source of love, encouragement and spiritual strength to everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Greg (Kristie) Cozad and Cindy (John) Norris; and grandchildren, Natalie (Jordan) Chapman, Courtney (A.W.) Simmons, Jenna (John) Verno and Robb (Kirsten) Cozad. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Joanna, Eleanor, Wesley, Henry, Hallie, Lydia and Naomi.
Mimi's family adored her and will carry her legacy forward in all they do.
A celebration service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Champaign, on July 11 at 2 p.m. followed by a reception at the Champaign County Club from 3 to 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Mimi's honor may be directed to the Champaign County Humane Society.
Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.
Gail Reams
July 14, 2025
Lots of love to the family from Gail Reams and all of us from St. Paul´s in Vero Beach, especially her Bible Study friends, who loved her dearly.
Vance Allen Miller
July 13, 2025
Mimi was a beautiful lady and a classmate at Cairo High School. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Rob & Mindy Pierce
July 9, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. Losing a parent is never easy. Cherish your memories of good times and great adventures together. Rob & Mindy, Eric & Becca, Greg & Lauren, Ellis & Evie.
Karen Boudreau
July 7, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always (and also Honeybea).
I have had my store, Karen's Kloset for over 34 years and Mimi was one of our favorite consignors. She started consigning the first year I opened and has been a loyal consignor since. We will all miss her beautiful soul and fashion sense.
Carlos Ulrich
July 7, 2025
I had the honor to be introduced to Mrs. Cozad through her daughter Cindy (Cici) and dear husband John. This family started to be part of my professional life through Mimi´s grand daughter Natalie Chapman who I serve as a hairstylist for her family for more than 6 years. Despite of only having seen Mimi once, I was able to sense the loving atmosphere in which she was surrounded by. I witnessed all the love her daughter and also my dearest friend Cici, dedicated to this wonderful person who Mimi revealed to be. For several times I saw the agonizing tears falling from Cici´s eyes and the size of her faith in God every time her beloved mother was in need of medical attention. As a Christian I pray to our Heavenly Father to receive Mimi in His kingdom and blessing her new spiritual being certain that she accomplished the mission God gave her as an instrument for good on Earth.
Terence Donovan
July 6, 2025
Sorry to see Mimi's Passing...i know several Members of each of the Cozad and the Nygren Families'...which makes this news even more sad...God's Dive Love to All....
Dennis Dautzenberg
July 4, 2025
Greg, Kristie, Robb and family,
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Dennis/Brett Dautzenberg and family.
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