Mary Jane Cronin

Mary Jane Cronin, 91, of Bloomfield, passed away on February 18, 2020 after a brief illness. Mary Jane was born and raised in Hartford, the daughter of the late John and Mary Yarosz. A gifted student, she graduated from Hartford Public High School at age 16. She later married her high school sweetheart James R. Cronin, with whom she spent 66 wonderful years. Mary Jane lived in the Greater Hartford area throughout her life, eventually settling in Bloomfield. She worked for the Federal Government, both before and after raising her family, in the Veteran's Administration and Social Security. She supported many local organizations, including serving as a board member for The Newington Children’s Hospital Auxiliary (now CT Children’s Medical Center), The West Hartford Junior Women’s and Garden Clubs. Mary Jane possessed an incredibly kind and generous spirit. Her extraordinary cooking, gracious hospitality and persistent doting on her grandchildren will continue to be her legacy to those that she touched, as will her warm smile. No guest ever left her home without an edible treat or gifted treasure in tow. An avid collector, antiquing was a favorite hobby of Mary Jane’s and one she enjoyed sharing with her dear friends, daughters and grandchildren. Mary Jane and her family spent many wonderful years at her vacation home on Cape Cod Bay in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. She leaves to love and cherish her, her beloved husband James, her daughters Robin (Orest) Stelmach, Kimberly (Jeff) Palmer and Pamela (Ray) Marra, her grandchildren Tracie (Cynthia), James and Scott Palmer, Greg (Elizabeth) and Chris Marra, along with a much adored great granddaughter, nieces and nephew. She is predeceased by her siblings Margaret Tuomi, Ann Gidzinski, and John Jarosz. Her family will receive friends on Monday, February 24 from 10 AM-10:45 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield, followed by a Mass at 11 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com.