Sue Marie Cronin

On July 29, 2022, Sue Marie Cronin (nee Haglund) lost her very brief, yet epic, battle against cancer. She left this world surrounded by her family who loved her so much and will miss her deeply.
Born on September 28, 1938 to the late Florence (nee Wolfert) and the late Enoch Haglund, Sue was raised mostly by her mother and extended family. Her values were formed from the experiences she had as a young girl in a single parent household at the end of the Depression and the beginning of World War II. This foundation taught her how to be thrifty, resourceful, grateful and, most importantly, how to advocate for herself and her family. Her older brother Ken made sure that she was supported and protected – as long as she didn't date his friends! He taught her how to roller skate, ride a bike and sneakily watch television through store windows. He was her hero until the day she died.
Sue attended Mundelein College and graduated with a BA in Economics in 1960. As was the custom, she married after college and began having children. At times, life's challenges threatened to impact the life Sue wanted for her family. Calling upon her past, she found creative ways to make sure that her children had well rounded and fully supported lives. The family was always planning their next adventure – picnics at Wrigley Field on Ladies Day, peach picking in Bridgman, MI, Lincoln Park Zoo, going to the beach and museums – the possibilities were endless! Although it was probably a very stressful time for her, Sue's kids thought that their mom was the best adventure planner and maker of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She was even magically able to get tickets to Bozo's Circus where her son, Jim, made his debut on live television and got to play a game.
Her grandchildren brought out the best in her. She loved the sound of their voices. She loved when they visited her and stayed overnight. She loved reading stories to them when they were little. She thought that they were fantastic.
Sue was very active. It was even better if the activity involved some sort of competition because she loved victory. If it was outside, she was doing it. If it involved something crafty, you could count on her to make the winning item. Her favorite competition was her annual Mother's Day golf outing with her sons. The only time her family saw her decline to compete was against cancer. When faced with the decision of how to move forward, she called up those lessons she learned so long ago and faced her mortality with courage, grace and humility, all while making sure to advocate for herself.
She leaves behind a grateful family who will continue to share her story and live their lives by the example she set – sons Jim (Stacey) Cronin and Kevin (Rebecca Jones) and daughter Mary (Mike Morrison) Cronin, grandchildren Kevin and Jayne, brother Ken (Pat) Haglund, nephews Ken (Charlotte) Haglund, Erick (Lori) Haglund and niece Julie Dethardt. She will be missed by many, many friends.
A special intentions Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 10:00 am at the National Shrine of St. Francis Cabrini with a reception to follow. Location details: 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 773.360.5115. Website: cabrininationalshrine.org
Arrangements were entrusted to Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, Libertyville. For more information call, 847-362-3009, or for those wishing to share a memory on-line for Sue's family, please visit www.burnettdane.com.