Loretta E. CRONIN

Loretta “Rhett” Cronin, 89, of Wellsville, NY, died on Sunday, March 2, 2025 following an illness. She was born in Hornell, NY on September 15, 1935, the daughter of the late Gerald and Hennrietta (McDowell) Lee.

Rhett was a graduate of Wellsville High School (1953) and went on to earn an associate degree from Alfred State College (1955). She was employed as a medical secretary in Rochester and Hornell, NY and a salesclerk in the Agway store in Wellsville. In 1957, she married James P. Cronin and returned to the Wellsville area to raise her family. She and Jim purchased and moved into her childhood home on Pearl St. Wellsville, where she resided for 67 years. In 1975, Loretta found employment at the NYS Department of Labor as an interviewer until her retirement. She passed away at home surrounded by her family.

Loretta was a devoted wife and mother of 7 children. Despite this, she was involved in community and church groups which included, Literacy Volunteers of NY, Christian Family Movement group and fund raising for the Father Brown Missionary in Peru. Loretta loved entertaining in her home, participating in family functions/parties, and attending theatrical comedy performances where her distinctive laugh was reportedly appreciated by the performers. Loretta had an infectious laugh. This was often the trait that people would come to remember her by. Loretta was always the life of the party. Rhett enjoyed competing in full contact sports such as Musical Chairs and Upset the Fruit Basket, both of which were family favorites that often resulted in multiple bruises, broken chairs and hysterics. 

Surviving are her husband of 67 years, James P. Cronin; six daughters, Laura (Bob) Crittenden of Pittsburgh PA, Cathy (Bill) Barnett of Sante Fe, NM, Mary Perkins of Andover, Polly (Ron) Broughton of Wellsville, Kay Cronin of Wellsville, Connie (Ken) Langley of Albuquerque NM; a son, James (Elizabeth) Cronin Jr. of Alfred; three brothers, Robert (Patricia) Lee of Wellsville, Thomas Lee of Rochester, James (Zoe) Lee of Binghamton; a sister, Jacci (Bob) Gardner of Saranac Lake, plus many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and even a few great-grandchildren. Loretta’s greatest joy was being with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was happiest when she had a baby in her arms and/or rocking them to sleep while singing softly. In addition to her parents Loretta was predeceased by her brother Gerald (Joanne) Lee Jr of Erie PA, her sister Constance, “Connie” (Paul) Shephard of Hornell NY, and son in law Lawrence, “Larry” (Mary) Perkins of Andover NY.

Per Loretta’s wishes, there will be only a Memorial Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church on Saturday March 8, 2025 at 11 am. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .