Madeleine Easter Cronin

Cronin, Madeleine Easter 94, of Western Springs, Illinois passed away Thursday, December 19, 2013 in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. Family was the foundation of her life and she expressed an abundance of love and compassion to those closest to her. Born April 20, 1919, in Portland, Maine to the late John Edward and Corinne McGahey, she grew up in Portland and graduated from South Portland High School. She went on to graduate from Northeastern Business College and was a member of Beta Phi. After graduating from Northeastern, Madeleine was offered a job with the Socony Vacuum & Oil Company in Cleveland, Ohio. While at work one day, in walked the love of her life, Phil Cronin. The two were married September 18, 1943 in Portland, Maine and soon welcomed four beautiful girls into their family. After living in Maine, New Jersey, and Chicago for a short time, the Cronin's built their dream home in Western Springs, Illinois. She and Phil enjoyed traveling across the country and to Hawaii. The two spent many summers in New England with their family and dear friends. Madeleine loved to cook and entertain guests in their home. A voracious reader, she loved biographies, history and love stories alike. She enjoyed needlepoint and playing bridge with her friends and spent many Sunday afternoons at Drury Lane theatre followed by dinner. Her family often joked her social life was busier than theirs. She was a founding member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Western Springs and remained active with the Women's Club and Seniors Club at St. John of the Cross. She was a member of La Grange Country Club for 37 years. And as she might have said, she is eternally "passable." Surviving family members include her four daughters, Suzanne C. Comes and husband Lawrence E. Comes, La Grange Park, IL, Nancy Clark and husband Richard Clark, Ozark, MO, Michelle P. Pallastrini and late husband Roger Pallastrini, Monterey, CA, Patricia M. Casey, Downers Grove, IL. She is also survived by nine, beloved grandchildren, Christopher and Paul Comes, Julie (Clark) Ott and Jamie (Clark) Mueller, Jacob Pallastrini, Tom, David, John and Michael Casey as well as her two great-grandchildren, Will and Hannah Ott; and niece and nephews, Pamela (Quinn) Greaney, John Quinn and Walter Quinn. Preceding her in death was her husband, Phil Cronin and sister Pauline Quinn. Friends and family will be received on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside. Prayers Friday, December 27th 10:45 a.m. from the chapel to St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:15 a.m. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial Contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society of Chicago and Wellness House of Hinsdale, Illinois. Funeral Home Phone: (708)352-6500