In Memory of Mary Catherine (O’Meara) Cronin

Mary Catherine (O’Meara) Cronin, Loving Mom, Grannie, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. Mary was known for many things including her beautiful smile, delightful Irish accent, kindness, gracious social skills, bold spirit, love of travel, desire to learn about others, and volunteerism.

Mary was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland to Dr. Robert (Rob) and Katherine (Kay) O’Meara. She was the youngest of six children. In her late teens, she headed to London where she attended nursing school and was also a nanny. While living in London, fate would have her reconnect with Patrick Cronin, the brother of a dear friend, also from County Dublin. They quickly realized that they were destined for one another, and they were married in Dublin on November 27, 1963. Together they raised three daughters, Colette, Annette, and Maureen.

Mary and Pat lived an adventurous life, traveling the world due to Pat’s career in the U.S. Air Force. After spending time in England, France, Mississippi, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho, they settled in Alamogordo, NM in 1978. Mary and Pat had forty wonderful years together. After Pat passed away in 2003, Mary spent time traveling, visiting family and lifelong friends, and making new friends around the world. She moved to Wichita, Kansas in 2006 to be near her stateside grandchildren and middle daughter.

Mary was a strong advocate for women, children, and mental health awareness. She was active in Girl Scouts, Altrusa International, American Cancer Society, Catholic Compassion Ministries, Chamber of Commerce, and the Medical Assistant Association. After moving to Alamogordo, Mary worked at TG&Y before becoming a successful small business owner. She worked in home health care, was instrumental in bringing hospice care to Alamogordo, and ran a consulting agency before retiring.

Mary was known for her love of elephants, angels, butterflies, and above all, people. Family and friends describe Mary as full of life. She was always up for an adventure and willing to help whenever and wherever needed. She connected with people on a genuine level, taking care to remember names and details, making that person feel seen and special. She often joked about having the Irish “gift of the gab,” having kissed the Blarney Stone three times!

Mary was a loving, funny, and devoted Grannie to Emma, Daniel and Jonathan Proffitt and Kevin and Nathaniel Cronin. She was also proud and blessed to be known as Grannie by her great grandsons, Jack and Ronan Lubbers.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Colette Cronin, Annette Proffitt, and Maureen and her husband Randy Schmittle; her grandchildren, Emma and her husband Seth Lubbers, Daniel and Jonathan Proffitt, Kevin and Nathaniel Cronin; her great grandsons, Jack and Ronan Lubbers; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrick; parents, Rob and Kay O’Meara; brothers, Joe, Charlie, and Tony O’Meara; sisters, Lucy (O’Meara) Dowdall and Anne (O’Meara) Redshaw.

In celebration of Mary's life, the Rosary Vigil will be recited at 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 16, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Wichita, KS.

Services will take place on June 28, 2025, at St. Jude Parish Catholic Church in Alamogordo, NM. Rosary will be recited at 10:15 am with Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 am.

Inurnment will follow services at St. Jude Mission Columbarium.

The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care and kindness shown to Mary by the nurses and staff of Elevate Hospice and the Oxford Grand and Villa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Mary to Catholic Charities, American Cancer Society, or a cause of your choice.

The Cronin family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.