Obituary: Gillian M. Cronin, 74

March 3, 1947 ~ December 12, 2021

Gillian M. Cronin, 74, beloved daughter of the late James and Rosemary (Bond) Cronin, passed away on Sunday, December 12, after a brief illness with pneumonia with her daughters by her side. 

Gillian grew up in Reading and was a graduate of Our Lady of Nazareth Academy. She then attended and graduated from Marion Court College in Swampscott. Gillian worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher for many years until making a switch in her career; working as an administrative assistant for the medical profession. Being deeply connected to her faith, finding peace and comfort with her church community. She was an active parishioner at St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading served as a Eucharistic minister, and also worked at the rectory upon her retirement. 

Gillian enjoyed summers at the beach, especially Hampton. She also loved to read, paint and watch golf. Gillian’s favorite song was “Proud Mary” and was known to jump up and dance whenever it played. She was an avid Red Sox fan, attending games when she was able and going to Red Sox Winter Weekend events where she got to meet many of her all-time favorite players.

Her greatest joy came from being with her family and she leaves her beloved granddogs Bergeron and Fenway.

Gillian is the devoted mother of Jennifer M. Rattigan of Derry, NH, and Patricia White and her husband Edward of Wolcott, CT. Cherished grandmother of Mark M. Stevens, Jr. of Derry, NH and loving great grandmother of Arrabella. Sister of James J. Cronin, Jr. and his wife Janet of Marshfield and the late William Cronin. Aunt of Kara and Kristin Cronin and she also leaves many cousins and loving friends. 

Funeral from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park Street, North Reading on Wednesday, December 22nd at 10:30 am followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading. 

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6 to 8pm. 

Gillian’s family asks that those attending services please wear a mask when visiting, for the safety of those attending and family members. Her family will not be hosting a reception following the interment due to the recent spike in Covid related illness.

Gillian loved flowers, but if you would like to make a donation in her memory, you may do so to St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, MA 01864, or to the Jimmy Fund at danafarber.jimmyfund.org