Coral Lee Coffey

1934 ~ 2022


Visitation

Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
May 6, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Graveside Services

Torrey Cemetery, Torrey Utah.
May 7, 2022 3:00 PM

Coral Lee Coffey passed away on April 29, 2022. She was born on April 18, 1934, to Thelma and Dwendon Lee, in Torrey Utah.

Coral had fond memories of her hometown of Torrey and the people of Wayne County in general. She often shared stories of her childhood adventures and countless tales of her ancestors, hoping that we understood and appreciated our heritage.

Coral attended school in the Torrey school house where her mother Thelma, was a teacher. Later, she went to Wayne High School and then the University of Utah where she earned a bachelors and master’s degree in education. Coral married Jim Coffey in 1954 after being set up on a blind date by her longtime friend Terri. They were married for 67 years. Together they raised three children: Brad, Chris, and Cheri. Jim and Coral enjoyed their time together, even teaching at the same elementary school before their retirement in the 90’s. Coral and Jim enjoyed traveling after their retirement, and spent as much time as possible in Torrey, at the old family home. Coral enjoyed sharing the history of her hometown and published a book about the history of homes in the area.

Coral taught in the Salt Lake City School District for her entire teaching career. She loved teaching and working with children and their families. She filled every available moment with activities. Coral was active in the Salt Lake Teachers Association, advocating for the rights of fellow educators. After retirement, she volunteered in Title I classrooms, assisting as a reading tutor, became a Master Gardener, and enjoyed her small group ministry at the Unitarian Church. She had a lifetime love of politics and supported many candidates with her time and talents. She was actively involved with the Women’s Democratic Club of Utah and served as their president. She especially enjoyed working for woman candidates and thought there should be more of them.

Coral cherished her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events and was very proud of each of them and their accomplishments. She also loved animals, especially her beloved dog Max.

Coral is survived by her husband Jim, her son Brad (Robert Thompson), daughter Chris Schafer (Randy), grandkids: Katie, Sarah, Peter, Sydney, Jake, great granddaughter Aubrey, brother-inlaw Larry Harman, niece Natalie (Bill) Cullen and nephew Mike Harman. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Mac Lee (Ann), Larry Lee, sister Mary Jean Harman and daughter Cheri Coffey.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Larkin Mortuary, Salt Lake City. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 3:00 pm at the Torrey Cemetery in Torrey Utah.

We are incredibly grateful to the incredible staff at Spring Gardens Senior Living and Janie, from Inspiration Hospice for the patient, loving care they gave Coral at the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Color Country Animal Welfare, Torrey Utah, and your promise to vote in the next election.


Guestbook/Condolences

I taught with Coral in third grade for many years at Newman School. We shared lesson plans many notes to parents and our personal lives as well I remember what a fast typer she was! After she retired she convinced me to join her volunteering as an usher for the Utah Arts. Sometimes we would eat at Blue Iguana restaurant before ushering that evening. Coral was a wonderful person to work with and a friend.


- Grace De Vries

We are so sorry to hear that Aunt Coral passed. I always loved and admired her. She was an inspiration to me especially when I was a young child. She will be missed, but what a reunion they will be having. Aunt Coral will be the organizer!

Love to you all,
Karma & John Parlett


- Karma & John Parlett

I am saddened to learn of Coral’s passing but am delighted to know her. She and Jim were always a happy presence at First Unitarian Church. They made a difference in the well being of our church community. I always appreciated Coral’s active participation in Utah Politics. She inspired others.


- Andrea Globokar

Coral was an enthusiastic Democrat. Her sense of humor certainly helped in that regard. My condolences for your loss.


- Edie trimmer

I had the privilege of serving on the Democratic Women's Club and appreciated her intelligence and wit. She was a wonderful person and I'm a better person to have known her. Condolences to her family and friends.


- Sally Bell

We are sorry to hear of Coral’s passing. She’s a wonderful lady. I’ve never met better people than Jim and Coral. They were great role models for me growing up and they still are.
With love,
Mike and Deanna Brooks


- Mike Brooks

I got to know Coral at the WDC and loved her from day one!! She was an inspiration for following your beliefs and supporting Democratic values. Her energy was contagious and made me realize that age has nothing to do with what you can accomplish if you believe in something strongly! I hope that she is with Cheri and they are sending us inspirations from above to stay the course she so admirably did for our democratic and human values.


- Susan Bracken

What a dear, kind, mellow sweetheart was Coral. I met her through the Unitarian Small Group gatherings where I loved to hear her tales of Torrey, Utah. Her constant smile and soft spoken personality warmed our hearts. Her leadership of democratic women was a beacon to us all as we tried to elect women and pass laws to help those most in need.
With grateful love to your dear memory and your family,
Bev Terry


- Beverly Terry

Mrs.Coffey was my 2nd grade teacher at Douglas Elementary in SLSD in 1976. I loved Mrs. Coffey and have kept her in my thoughts all these years. Reading this beautiful obituary, I had no idea how much I adored this woman! She must have inspired me with her political, travel, Unitarian and gardening passions subliminally! She was a treasure! My condolences to the family and please know how incredibly impactful and important she was in mine and so many other lives to comfort you.


- Lisa Cohne

Coral Lee I will miss your amazing smile. I was so fortunate teaching with you at Meadowlark. You always made me smile.
Even after we both retired I was lucky to find out you had a home in Torrey & I have a home in Teasdale.
Coral Lee thanks for making this planet a better place. Will miss seeing you in Wayne County.


- Pauline Schlegel

Coral has been one of my special friends since we first taught together at Douglas Elementary. We taught at three different elementary schools together. She was an excellent teacher with many wonderful ideas and always supported me in my teaching. We enjoyed doing many things with one another and I will miss her amazing smile, love and support. My prayers are with Jim and the family. Love Martha Smith


- Martha Smith