Carol C. Cronin

Carol Cannon Cronin died peacefully surrounded by her family at home on 10/20/17 from complications of breast cancer. She fought and beat cancer for over 29 years. Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of Peter Cannon and Gladys (Holden) Cannon. She is survived by her husband, Thomas of over 58 years, and her children Tracey Cronin of North Kingstown, Kelley Cronin and her partner Deborah Sargent of Framingham, MA, Thomas Cronin and his wife, Harinder and grandchildren, Samantha, Grace, and Riley of Narragansett. She is also survived by brother-in-law James Cronin and his wife Brita of Attleboro, MA, her sisters-in-law Mary Una Blackjohn of Wakefield, and Bea Cronin of Attleboro, MA, her uncle John Soito of Vero Beach, FL, and other cousins, nephews, and nieces. She also leaves behind a wonderful group of friends – we cannot list them all but are especially grateful for long-time friends, Joan Power, Janet Bannister, and Irene Nelson and so many others from RI and FL. Carol graduated from St. Xavier’s Academy in Providence (and represented RI at Girls Nation where she met President Eisenhower), received a BA from Salve Regina College and an MA from URI. After her marriage to Tom in 1959, they moved to South County and she became a teacher in South Kingstown. In the 60’s, Carol was active in the South County Junior Women’s Club. The SOCO Jr Women’s Club was known for their yearly “Follies” and for their contribution that built the ice rink / tennis courts at the South Kingstown Guild Park. Carol was a teacher for 27 years, first in South Kingstown and then as a 6th grade teacher in Narragansett, a career she found challenging and rewarding, and she is remembered fondly by many former students! Carol served on the Narragansett Town Council, the Narragansett Housing Authority, the original Towers Committee, and was named a Knight of the Rockingham Arch in recognition of her service to the Town of Narragansett. She was a delegate to the RI Education Association and the National Education Association. After their retirement, Carol and Tom divided their time between Narragansett and Sarasota, FL – truly a dream come true! They also enjoyed extensive travel including trips to Alaska, Greece, Turkey, Austria, England, Scotland, Russia and, of course, their beloved Ireland where they visited family many times. She also volunteered at many organizations in Narragansett and Sarasota including South County Women’s Resource Center, The Library, and South County Seniors in Action. Carol loved reading, music, gardening, crossword puzzles, and tolerated her family’s love of sports! God was always a presence in her life as was her great gift of humor and friends. In Carol’s words, “her choice of husband was the most important of her life – a gentle man always”. A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas More Church (53 Rockland Street, Narragansett) on Tuesday (10/24) at 10am. Friends and family are invited to a gathering to celebrate her life at Arturo Joe’s (140 Point Judith Ave, Narragansett) at 5:30 pm on Tuesday (10/24). With respect to her wishes, calling hours are omitted and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hope, Hospice, and Palliative Care-RI or The Ronald McDonald House.