Coral Sue Houle

Houle, Coral S. age 87 of Bloomington MN was born October 17, 1937 and passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband John of 65 years, her children Julie, Karen (Jim), Catherine (Tony), grandchildren Matthew, Nicholas, Thomas, Angela, Oliver, Mabel, Sophie, Selam, and an extended family of 35 nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Ida, sister Connie, brother Mike and nephew Jeff.
Coral was born and raised in Kettle River and Barnum Minnesota. Although her family life was touched by poverty and hardship, it was also full of love. The kitchen table of her Finnish family farm home regularly held school board and community meetings, and these shaped her life's work of public service. She met John as a student at the University of Minnesota and they married in 1959. They moved to Bloomington in 1962, and she quickly became involved in local civic and nonprofit affairs.
Coral proudly served as mayor of Bloomington. She was also a city council member, a member of the Human Rights and Planning Commissions and the Housing and Redevelopment and Port Authorities. She was appointed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission and was involved with over 15 non-profit and community organizations. She received the 2005 Bloomington Legacy Award for her notable achievements. Coral mentored scores of women seeking elected office and always worked to bring women from her network together.
Coral was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old and after that proclaimed, "my heart and soul lie with fighting breast cancer on behalf of all women". She held leadership positions with the American Cancer Society for over 25 years, including the board of directors. Radiation treatment for her breast cancer damaged her heart, and in 2017 she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She displayed her Finnish sisu every day, and never complained despite everything the disease took from her as it progressed. Above all else, she was loved, admired and respected by those who knew her. She lived a remarkable and extraordinary life.
Our family extends our deep gratitude to Dr. Aimee Johnson and the Park Nicollet cardiology team, and the Methodist Hospital physicians and ICU nurses for their compassionate care during her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 15 at 11:00 am at Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, MN with Visitation at 10:00 am and luncheon following the service.
Memorials preferred to: University of Minnesota Foundation, 200 Oak St SE, STE 500 Mpls MN 55455; Lutheran Social Service of MN, 2485 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108; The American Cancer Society