Mary Ann Cronin passed away on February 18th, 2021 aged 83. Born from humble beginnings in Chicago on February 16th, 1938. She was raised by her extended family after her parents’ untimely passing early on in her life. Her early years, grounded in hard work, faith and family, set the stage for the kind of legacy she left behind: one in which her Irish-Catholic roots guided her to become a woman who made such a profound impact on so many.
At age 20 she met the man who would become the love of her life. She was taken by Bob’s charm and quickly fell deeply for him. Mary Ann and Bob adored each other, up until the last moments of Bob’s life. They had an unparalleled love story, one that exemplified the kind of beauty and good that can come from two people’s commitment to and adoration for one another.
Mary Ann led an extraordinary life of service, love, and faith. Every Sunday, you would find her in the church pews of Immaculate Conception, joyfully singing hymns of praise alongside her family. Her natural instinct was to give, putting the needs of others before her own whenever possible. Mary Ann led by example. She faithfully administered God’s grace by serving others, spending her time feeding the hungry at the food pantry and volunteering as a Eucharistic minister at Elmhurst Hospital. She instilled that same resolute faith in her family, friends, and greater Elmhurst community.
A word wiz, you could often find scribbled crossword booklets scattered around Mary Ann’s living room. She was known for her sharp wit and keen intellect, reading WWII history novels over and over again. Her love for travel brought her to many of those same battlegrounds she read about, where she could spew out more facts than the historical landmarks’ signage revealed. Mary Ann’s adventurous spirit took her all over the world, up until the end of her life. Her last trip, a riverboat cruise down the Rhine River, was taken at age 81 with her granddaughter, Molly.
Family was everything to Mary Ann. She cherished each moment spent with her husband, her 6 children, 30 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. During the summers, Mary Ann’s family congregated at the family lakehouse on Lake Geneva. Those summers out on the lake were spent filled with love and laughter, sharing stories over big communal family dinners.
As the matriarch of the Cronin clan, Mary Ann modeled what kind of legacy a life of dedicated service, love, and faith can leave.
Mary Ann Cronin, nee Hoffman, age 83, member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst for 54 years; beloved wife of the late Robert J. Cronin Sr.; loving mother of Bob (Beverly), Regina (Joe) Hughes, Carolin (Kerry) Mannion, Becky (Scott) Sutton, Christine (Tom) Falkenberg and Jennifer (Bob) Geiger; proud grandmother of Kaitlin (Nick) Steele, Maggie (Charlie) Hilding, Molly and Will Cronin, Melanie (Kevin) Downey, Joe (Lizzy) Hughes, Holly (Johnny) Pipp, Eva (Jackson) Jelinek, Robert, Regina Marie, Mary Clare and Hope Hughes; Jack, Natalie, Stephanie, Maggie, Luke and Nicholas Mannion; Megan, Sean and Matthew Sutton, Tommy, Danny, Patrick, Kevin and Ryan Falkenberg and Jackson, Allie, Kate and Charlie Geiger and great-grandmother of Darryl, Christian, Michael, Lawrence, Conor and Ginny; dear sister of the late Francis Hoffman and Denise Fitzgerald. Visitation Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. for Seniors and those most at risk and continuing until 8:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Friends and family are asked to meet Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capt. William D. Cronin, Jr Scholarship Fund, c/o Immaculate Conception Schools, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, please note that the family thanks all attendees in advance for their show of support, however facility capacity is limited and we request all attendees maintain social distancing, wear a mask and be respectful of the time so all have a chance to express their condolences. Livestream of funeral Mass and information regarding reserving your space in person available through the funeral home website. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
**Link for live stream broadcast available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME81kFVS2Ow
To reserve a seat for Mass please email name, phone and number of guests to funerals@icelmhurst.org
Jim Kirkwood
Bob:
Jim Kirkwood
Bob:
Deepest sympathies in this time of loss for you and your family.
Mary Beth Hofmeister
Dear Bob, Bev, Molly and the extended Cronin family, sending you love and sympathy. We trust your beautiful Mary Ann rests in the Lord’s arms, surrounded by her dear ones who have preceded her, and in the company of angels. You are in my heart and in my prayers. Love, Mary Beth
Tim Malloy
Bob and Molly:
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Know that she is in God’s good hands, and will continue to look out for you.
Barbara Bourjaily
Many wonderful evenings spent with Mary Ann and Bob in Lake Geneva and on the west side. My sympathy to the family on the loss of their mom. ❤️ Barbara Bourjaily
Father Gerald Riva
May deepest prayers and love to your family at the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful woman and a beautiful example of maternal love and
strong faith. I will include her and your family in my mass intention tomorrow Tuesday as you pray and then lay her to rest. I always loved being
with your family for whatever occasion we shared. Love to all Fr. R
Paul Koch
Mrs Cronin was an exemplary matriarch of a truly great family; may she rest in peace.
Rosemary Kobielus
I am sorry to hear of Mary Ann’s passing. I knew Mary Ann from high school and was proud to renew our friendship when she would attend grandparent’s day at IC grade school. It was great teaching some of her grandchildren. I know she will be missed. May she rest in peace.
John and Denise Fitzgerald
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We will treasure the memories of Aunt Mary Ann and she will be missed by all of the Fitzgerald’s.
Joanne Marcotte
Bob and family, deepest sympathies on your loss.
Karabeg Emira
My deepest condolences to all Mary Ann family.It was pleasant to know you 26 years and enjoy your family.Rest in peace dear Mary Ann!
Mary Jean (Pukac) Kreusler
Cronin family, may the choirs of angels guide your charming, lovely mom to her eternal rest. A baby sitter of old and teacher, Mary Jean (Pukac) Kreusler
Joan O’Malley
I am most impressed by the tribute to your mother’s life. The Lord protected her in all things and welcomed her into His arms. May the peace of the angels surround her in her heavenly home.
Anne O'Connell
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mary Jordan
We are so sorry for your sudden loss. Mary Ann is in our prayers as are all of you.
Dave, Mary, Patrick, Matthew, Peter and Zachary Jordan
The Vice Family
Rest in Peace Mary Ann. Thoughts and prayers are with the Cronin’s and Falkenberg’s during this somber time.
Angela Fitzgerald Dean
I will miss my dear Auntie! My sincere condolences to the family. I appreciate the live stream of the mass so I could be there in spirit with you all.
Barbara Rogers (wife of later Dr. Tom Rogers)
My sincere condolences to the Cronin family. Mary Ann was such a special person. Whenever I hear “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song, I will always think of Mary Ann. May God bless her and her family.
Terry & Tim Koch family
Bob, et al.,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, she was a gracious, beautiful and classy lady. Please find some comfort in knowing she, you and all her loved ones are in our prayers for comfort and peace. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Take good care.
Ruth Flanagan Runfola
My heart goes out to all the Cronin clan. I treasure all the Fitzgerald family events that brought Mary Ann and Bob to California and wish there could have been more. I can still hear her laugh….