Susan M. Cronin passed away in Naples, Florida on March 30, 2024 after a brief illness. She was surrounded by family members at her passing. Susan was a thoughtful and loving sister, spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed. She relished every opportunity to have her family around her, and she especially enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her brother, Edward (Ted) Milkey; her husband, Michael D. Cronin; children, Sara Kowalczyk and her husband, Mark Kowalczyk, and Douglas Cronin and his wife, Abbey Cronin; and her four grandchildren, Brendan Kowalczyk, Julia Kowalczyk, Gus Cronin, and Will Cronin.
Susan was born in Buffalo, NY on April 6, 1948 to parents Gustave Milkey, MD and Janet Milkey. She was part of the first graduating class from Grand Island High School in Grand Island, NY before attending Muskingum College in New Concord, OH. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Master's Degree, and pursued teaching. Susan's career pivoted towards teaching writing at Syracuse University where she spent 25 years as an undergraduate writing instructor and consultant to the Maxwell School and the School of Architecture before retiring. Her love of the written word carried over to being an avid reader and belonging to book clubs in Syracuse, NY and Naples, FL.
Susan had a variety of interests including golf, reading, gardening, and playing games (especially Majong), and she was an active member of the communities she lived in. Given her keen interest in community service, Susan joined the Junior League of Syracuse in 1983 as an active and then sustainer member throughout her life. She was most proud of her work as the Parliamentarian of the League. Similarly, Susan's love of plants and flowers was evident by her long-term membership in the Four Seasons Garden Club and the countless hours she spent organizing club events and outings.
Susan also participated in the women's golf leagues at both the Onondaga Golf and Country Club in Syracuse and Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club in Florida. Susan played golf regularly with several of her friends during the summer. At Onondaga, she organized and managed the Sweeps competitions for the past several years. At both clubs, Susan enjoyed learning how to play Majong and making new friends. Whether in Syracuse or Florida, she always made time to introduce new people to the game she loved.
Despite her many activities, Susan's greatest accomplishments stemmed from her roles as a loving spouse, mother, and grandmother. Susan's greatest joy was hosting family gatherings that she would spend days preparing for, decorating the house and cooking her favorite meals and dishes to ensure that a wonderful time was had by all.