Cathleen M. (Cronin) Kral, age 77, of Wellfleet, formerly of Canton passed away March 11th in a tragic fire beside her husband of 53 years, Ferdinand (Fred) L. Kral, Jr. Born in Boston, she was raised in Mattapan and attended Notre Dame Academy. After graduating from Emmanuel College with a B.A. she traveled to Europe, which began a life-long love of travel and other cultures. Upon her return to home, Cathleen and Fred got married and had three children. Cathleen went on to complete her Masters Degree at Northeastern nights while raising the kids, and attained a second Masters Degree from Leslie College in education. She and her husband Fred with their adventurous spirits packed up 3 children under the age of eight and moved to Europe to teach in the American International School in Barcelona, Spain. After 3 years of teaching in Spain they were recruited to assist in the opening of the American International School of France in Nice, on the Cote D’Azur. Returning home after 5 years she began her early professional career in the States teaching for the Milton and Dedham Public Schools and went on to serve as the Director of Literacy for the Boston Public Schools before retiring. After retiring she worked as a consultant for WestEd for many years. Cathleen’s deep knowledge of schools, teaching, and learning, and her wonderful networking abilities greatly contributed to the national growth of a teaching and professional learning model called Reading Apprenticeship. She was a member of countless professional organizations: NALC, ASCD, NSDC, NCTE, MTA, etc. Cathleen and her husband Fred loved spending time with their children and grandchildren. She was an avid entertainer and loved hosting her many friends and forty-one first cousins for all occasions. She had an insatiable thirst for learning and teaching. She dedicated her life to education. She was also no stranger to fashion and of course was rarely seen without a hat.
Beloved wife of the late Ferdinand L. Kral, Jr. Mother of Ferdinand L. Kral, III (Nando) and his wife Patricia of Whitman, Joseph (Jody) Kral of Wellfleet and Cassandra C. Kral-Dillon and her husband Stephen of Canton. Grandmother of Cameron and Erin Kral of Whitman. Sister of the late Michael Cronin.
Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Friday March 22nd from 4-8 pm. Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church Canton Saturday morning, March 23rd, at 10 am. Your favorite hat is not required but know that Cathleen would want you to wear it. Burial private. Donations may be made in Ferdinand and Cathleen’s memory Room to Read Room to Read
For guestbook see www.dockrayandthomasfuneralhome.com
For those traveling the family has secured a block of hotel rooms at the courtyard Marriott on University ave Norwood. This is the link
Marriot