Planning, Pride, and a Place to Call Home: Why Chris Olson and Michelle Coen Chose Trillium Woods

When Chris Olson and Michelle Coen made the decision to move to a Life Plan Community, it wasn’t on a whim—it was the result of decades of thoughtful preparation. The married couple, who met in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1981, had been planning for their future since their very first introduction to senior living back in 1998.

“We knew from the beginning that we wanted to be in a Life Plan Community,” Olson says. “We don’t have children, and we knew we’d need to plan carefully for ourselves. So, we’ve really been preparing for this move for decades.”

From Alaska to the Midwest—and a Life Together

Olson’s path took her from Iowa to Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, then to Lapland for a year abroad studying recreation management. She ultimately landed in Alaska, where she began a career working with youth in residential treatment. Coen, originally from Oregon, followed a professional opportunity to Anchorage, working at a model research center for children with developmental disabilities. The two met and built a life together, with Olson moving to a career in financial planning and Coen changing careers mid-life, becoming a computer programmer and business analyst.

In 1998, they left Alaska to be closer to family in the Midwest and were first introduced to the concept of a Life Plan Community when Olson’s mother moved to a community with a full continuum of care in Iowa. That positive experience shaped their long-term plans and led them to explore several communities when it was time for their own transition.

“Though we were well below retirement age at the time, Michelle had a diagnosis of optic neuritis and possible MS — so planning for medical expenses and possible care was on both of our minds,” explains Olson.

“Luckily, I didn’t develop MS, but it made us more aware that support might be needed later on, as we age,” adds Coen. “We don’t have kids. We knew that we needed to plan for ourselves.”

Why Trillium Felt Like Home

Before choosing Trillium Woods, Olson and Coen were seriously considering another community in Bloomington. “We’d even begun the paperwork process and were turning in medical forms,” says Olson.

But once they visited Trillium Woods, they changed their minds.

“The other community was in an area that felt too built up,” Olson recalls. “We’re nature people. We walk outside a lot, and Trillium has more of a rural feel.”

They also appreciated that Trillium offered flexibility in financial planning and felt they received better overall value. But the deciding factor wasn’t just about the dollars and cents — it was about community, and whether they would be truly welcomed.

As the first married lesbian couple to move into Trillium Woods, they had concerns about feeling comfortable in their new home. “I asked directly — will we be accepted here?” Olson says. “We were told about a few incredible allies. But there was still a risk.”

That risk, however, paid off. “Within weeks of moving in, many people were inviting us to dinner,” Olson continues. “Ministers who had performed same-sex weddings, a couple who are very active in rights organizations in support of their son, residents with LGBTQ kids and grandchildren, and other people, too, who wanted us to know that we were welcome and accepted.”

“It was wonderful,” says Coen. “It was clear that this is where we belonged.”

Creating a More Inclusive Community

Since moving to Trillium Woods in March, Olson and Coen have become active, visible members of the community — sometimes literally. Their front door proudly displays a rainbow decal. They helped organize the community’s Pride celebration in June and were encouraged to see so many residents and staff members in attendance.

“We’ve had people visiting Trillium Woods say that seeing that rainbow on our door made them feel safe visiting here,” Chris says. “That matters.”

Active Members of the Community

Their involvement in the Trillium Woods’ community extends far beyond advocacy.

Coen helps in the community garden a few hours a day, participates in wellness offerings, including meditation, and looks forward to learning some of the card games popular with their neighbors. Olson has joined the Trillium Woods Chorale and has already sung in a concert, and is exploring the idea of starting an AA meeting on campus.

Both enjoy swimming in the community’s pool and are involved in the Green Team, a group that volunteers to support environmentally friendly initiatives on Trillium Woods’ campus. They enjoy long walks with Leo, their beloved Australian Cattle Dog mix, and meeting fellow dog owners on their adventures.

Finding Balance in Community Living

Transitioning from rural, independent living on a 40-acre property into an apartment within a larger community was a big change — but one they’ve embraced more easily than they expected.

“We’re isolationists by nature, and there people everywhere here,” Olson laughs. “That was a bit of a shock! But it helps that Trillium Woods has such a strong culture of welcoming new residents. We were invited into it, which made all the difference.”

They’ve also appreciated the flexibility that Trillium offers — whether that means joining in an activity or choosing to relax quietly at home. “You can do as much or as little as you want,” says Coen. “There’s something comforting in that.”

Looking Ahead with Confidence

For the couple, Trillium Woods represents the culmination of years of thoughtful planning, personal reflection, and ultimately — hope.

“It’s incredible to live in a place where we don’t have to hide who we are,” Olson says.  “At the same time, there are people who haven’t reached out to us for whatever reason, and that’s ok, too. Boundaries are fair — no one is required to come to the Pride party — but no one has made us feel unsafe.”

And for future residents in the LGBTQ community wondering if they’ll feel welcome at Trillium Woods, Olson and Coen have this to say:

“You will.”