Cora Liisa Hillukka, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, peacefully slept away as angels gently guided her to heaven on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. Though her time on earth was brief, she lived life with her whole heart.
Cora was born March 3rd, 2008 in Buffalo, Minnesota, to the late Gregory Hillukka and Jaclyn Halonen. Cora attended school within the Dassel Cokato School District until sixth grade. Starting in seventh grade, she attended various online Minnesota schools. She had planned to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree from Ridgewater College. At the age of nine, her mother married Aaron Halonen, and Cora joyfully welcomed him as her father. Growing up, Cora couldn’t go a day without seeing her friends. Tuesday nights, haps, and special services were things she never missed. She loved traveling, and recently, fell in love with running. She flew to Arizona to complete her first half marathon in February with her dad and sister. Cora brought her bright personality with her wherever she went. Whether she was working at one of her many jobs, Dairy Queen, the Grounds, or Brookridge, Cora always left happiness and smiles to those that happened to bump into her.
Known for her radiant smile and tender spirit, Cora had a gift for caring for others—especially her mother, siblings and grandmother. Even in the quiet hours of the night, she could be found tending to the needs of the little ones, offering a calm and loving presence. She was a constant source of comfort, joy, and encouragement in her home. Faith, family, and friends were important to Cora. Whether she was helping around the house, giggling with her siblings, or engaging in a fiercely competitive board game (which she loved most when she was winning), Cora brought a contagious energy and brightness that lit up every room she entered.
Cora is survived by her parents Aaron and Jaclyn Halonen; her siblings Faye (Braden Laho), Slade, Bryer, Brynn, Kyla, Ladd, and Lund Hillukka, Mya, Kate, Levi, Ava, and Sage Halonen; grandparents Bradley and Maureen Mattila, Rauha Hillukka, John and Becky Halonen; her special friend Carter Wisuri; a large extended family; and countless friends who cherished her. She was preceded in death by her father, Gregory Hillukka and grandfather Ernest Hillukka.
There will be a reviewal Friday, May 30th, 2025 from 4:00-8:00pm with a service at 7:00pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 11:00am, at Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church, with visitation starting at 10:00am.
Arrangements by Swanson Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato & Howard Lake, Minnesota. #320-286-2534 www.swansonpeterson.com