Mary Kathleen Cronk, age 100, of Oak Park, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025. She was born on August 25, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, and lived a century marked by devotion, gratitude, and a steady, quiet grace.

Mary married the love of her life, Bernard Faye Cronk, and together they built a large, spirited family that remained her greatest joy. She was the devoted mother of nine children: Patrick (deceased), Mary Francis (deceased), Paul, Laurie (deceased), Dan (deceased), Neil (Lorene née Rosner), Matthew (Linda née Chubenko), Louis (Joyce née Baker), and Clare (Edward Jones). She was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, treasuring each new branch added to the family tree.

A woman grounded in faith and service, Mary was a longtime member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. She volunteered faithfully for 20 years with St. Vincent de Paul, where her compassion and reliability touched countless lives. She also worked for the City of Oak Park, offering her sharp mind and strong work ethic to the community she loved.

Mary was a voracious reader, endlessly curious, and grateful for the blessings of her life. In the reflective letter she wrote to her children on her 75th birthday, she described her journey as “a good ride — some heartache, but more joy.” She spoke of being blessed with a loving husband, family, and good health, and of feeling thankful to have lived in a time of change, discovery, and possibility. Above all, she expressed pride in her children and confidence in the path each had taken. Her words revealed the essence of who she was: a woman who met life with gratitude, humility, and deep love.

Her family will forever remember her warmth, her steadiness, and the gentle wisdom she offered simply by being who she was.

At the close of her 75th birthday letter, Mary left her children with a message that now becomes a blessing to all who loved her:

“I once said to Paul, ‘When I am gone, I hope you will love each other and take care of one another,’ and he said, ‘Mother, we already do.’ May it always be so. I have loved being your mother. Thank you for being my children.”

A Memorial Mass for Mary will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., at Our Mother of Perpetual Help, 13500 Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park, MI 48237.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul or a charity of choice.