Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Betty Cronander, 77, of Traverse City, died on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born in Chicago on Oct. 22, 1929, the daughter of Chester and Anna (Forrester) Carner. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago. On July 21, 1956, in Chicago, she married Earl Cronander.
Betty "Mom" was a consummate planner. She loved wildlife, nature and walkable communities, and especially wanted to preserve the natural environment for future generations.
She worked diligently to accomplish this personal vision for 17 years as a Peninsula Township Planning Commissioner. She also volunteered for New Designs for Growth, assisted in writing and editing the Grand Traverse Regional Development Guidebook and participated in many other planning, preservation and educational efforts.
She recently co-authored a planning curriculum for high school students. In November, she won the prestigious Frank Purvis Stewardship Planning award.
Prior to her "retirement," Betty was a dedicated high school teacher for 20 years, first in Royal Oak, then in Bloomfield Hills. She thoroughly enjoyed her students and excelled at sparking their love of learning with her innovative hands-on approach to geography, social studies and English.
In addition to her phenomenal career achievements, our Mother was also the loving cornerstone for her family. She cared for her own mother until her death, kept contact among far-flung family members coast—to-coast and managed to take a personal interest in the lives of many of her nieces and nephews.
Betty is survived by her husband of 51 years, Earl Cronander of Traverse City; two daughters, Susan Cronander and Karen Cronander, both of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Jenika Ferguson of Sault Sainte Marie, Patrick Ferguson of White Lake, Leigh Anne Ferguson of Traverse City, David Stone of Traverse City and Matthew Cronander of Traverse City; one great-grandson, Daniel Alcorn of Sault Saint Marie; two brothers, Donald (Hazel) Carner Sr. of California and Charles Carner of Wisconsin; and 11 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Barbara Bransfield; and one brother, Chet Carner.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at 11 a.m., from the Covell Funeral Home, 232 E. State St., Traverse City, with visitation one hour prior.
Memorials may be directed in Betty's name to Humane Society of the United States or the Nature Conservancy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Earl & Family,
Betty was truly one in a million. She will be forever remembered for all that she did for Peninsula Township and missed by those of us she worked with. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Monica Hoffman
August 21, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
We met Betty through her work with Peninsula Township. She was a wonderful advocate for issues of importance to so many of us on Old Mission Peninsula. And even more importantly, she became a valued friend.
We want to thank Betty's family for sharing her with the many people who counted on Betty's goodness and talent. Her thoughtful efforts and many significant contributions will be of enduring value to countless people.
With sincerest sympathy,
Sue Peters & Dave Murphy
Dave Murphy
August 21, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
K-Mart Pharmacy Walt, Carl, Cheryl, Betty, Wanda, Debbie
August 20, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
Betty did a great job in the region promoting planning, and helping to set up a program to be used as a model throughout the state. My sympathy to the family.
trudy galla
August 17, 2007 | Maple City, MI
To Betty's Family:
We have lost a great preservationist. Betty was so deserving of the "Frank Purvis Award", she was truly a believer and leader in taking care of our earth. Her perseverence in carrying the message for New Designs For Growth is a great example of what can be done. She was a role model for all of us! I will miss her professionalism and friendship.
Linda Forwerck
Linda Forwerck
August 14, 2007 | Fife Lake, MI
I couldn't have asked for a better grandmother. I miss you so much and love you so much. I'm going to graduate for you, g-ma!
Jenika Ferguson
August 14, 2007 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI
