Mary Lou Cronin, 87, of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully on March 31, in the loving presence of her family. She died the way she lived – with grace and surrounded by those who loved her. Mary Lou was born in 1937 in Hyde Park, the daughter of beloved parents Joseph and Mary Rando.
Mary Lou is predeceased by her husband George F. Cronin Jr. She is survived by her four children: George F. Cronin, and his wife Leigh, daughters Maribeth Fitzgerald and husband Edward, Kerry Cronin and husband Dr. Elliott Martin, and Andrea and Sean Flaherty. In addition, Mary Lou leaves her loving grandchildren: Teddy, Patrick, Harrison, Emily, Mary Lou, Elizabeth and Audrey.
Mary Lou attended Holy Cross Academy and Cardinal Cushing College in Chestnut Hill. In high school and college Mary Lou devoted herself to her studies, her close-knit group of friends, and dressing to perfection at the many dances she loved to attend. Her college yearbook blurb hints at Mary Lou’s spirited nature – she had “a set of traffic rules all her own”. After graduation Mary Lou began a career at the Judge Baker Children’s Center in Boston where her love of children allowed her to combine her skills and vocational passion.
Mary Lou met George at a party in New York City. While they were dating, she had many memorable adventures taking the train to South Bend to visit George on football weekends at Notre Dame. After marrying George in 1964 she embarked on what would be her true calling, motherhood. Her children are blessed to have been nurtured by such a warm, gracious and loving soul. Mary Lou treasured her family and cherished every moment with them. Later in life she excelled at her role as ‘Nana’ and had endless love and adoration for her seven lucky grandchildren. She spent many fond years with her grandchildren – babysitting, attending innumerable school events, games, competitions, recitals – and made each grandchild feel like he or she was the most cherished grandchild in the world. In addition to the many who meant so much to Mary Lou, her two beloved golden retrievers, Rocky and Randy, brought her endless joy. Mary Lou never met a child or dog she did not love.
Visiting Hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Sunday, April 6th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home on Monday, April 7th at 9:00am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.