Donna M. Cronin

Donna Mae Cronin, 85, passed peacefully at Millcreek in Galion.

She was born April 21, 1938 in Pecos, Texas to the late Archie and Bonita (Stroud) Hart. Donna was a graduate of Loretta Academy in El Paso, Texas and later went on to earn her associate degree from Marion Tech. On March 2, 1957, she married Gerald E. “Jerry” Cronin who she met while he was serving in the US Army. A short time later, they moved back to his hometown of Fremont, and eventually made their way to Bucyrus. She worked for the telephone company and spent many years with United Telephone, Bell, and GTE before her retirement.

Possibly one of the kindest and most caring people around, Donna made everyone feel that they were her favorite and did anything for her family. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and always created memorable experiences during their time together. She actively followed them with their sporting events and loved to hear of the things that made them happy. She was an avid quilter and made sure that all her family had one of her creations, handmade with love. She enjoyed traveling, which included several area day trips, but what made her happiest was camping, and Berkshire Lake was her favorite spot. Anyone who knew Donna knew of her love for M&Ms (or sweet pills, as she often referred to them) and Crystal Light Peach tea. These were consumed on a daily basis and her grandchildren always knew where to find her candy machine when they came to visit.  In addition to camping and quilting, Donna’s other favorite pastime was reading, and she’s read 1000s of books over her lifetime.

She will be missed by her entire family, including her children, Elizabeth (Larry) Rayborn, Bud Cronin and John (Rachel Kimball) Cronin; grandchildren, Andy (Tiffani) Cronin, Jessica Rayborn and fiancé, Justin Pitts, his daughter, Vivian Pitts, Laura (Mike Schmitz) Cronin, Jamin (Emily) Rayborn, Sarah Cronin, Maddy Cronin, Kalyn Kimball and Casey Kimball; great grandchildren, Blake, Kendall, Clay, Adie, Evie, and Dyllan; and brother-in-law, Larry (Karen) Cronin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry; brother, Bill Hart and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Her family will receive friends from 1-3 pm on Thursday, March 21 at Wise Funeral Service and will conclude the day with a brief service.

If desired, donations can be made payable to the Bucyrus Public Library and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook.