Mary Cronin Gawronski passed peacefully away at home on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by family. Mary was born on June 19, 1934, to Patrick J. and Mary Foley Cronin in Olean, New York. She was always grateful for the family she was born into and the faith she inherited. Mary graduated from Olean High School in 1952 and became a secretary until her marriage on August 6, 1955, to Raymond W. Gawronski of Dunkirk, New York. He was the love of her life, her soul mate, her much better half.

Together they raised and educated nine children. Business promotions took the family from New York to Ohio, California, Maryland, Chicago, Houston and Salisbury, Maryland. Each move brought new and exciting educational opportunities for the children. Ray and Mary retired in 1991 and in 1993 moved to the Landings of Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia as their final homestead.

Mary, rarely ruffled, had a household of happy rollicking kids, bubbly casseroles, a washer that never rested and everyday chaos. SHE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! She was the missing piece to all their puzzles and the glue that bonded them together. Her legacy is the character of the men and women she raised. She volunteered at the children’s schools, later at the St. Joseph House in Salisbury, Maryland and the Social Apostolate (now the Catholic Charities of South Georgia, and Inner-City Night Shelter in Savannah. She was also active at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, volunteering on the maintenance committee, altar society, parish council, Eucharistic Minister and Parish Council President. Ray and Mary received the prestigious Gartland Award from Bishop Gregory J. Hartmeyer for their services to the community. She loved the Sacred Heart community.

Mary is predeceased by her parents, sister Patricia (Patty) Cronin, brother Jerry Cronin, and grandson, Daniel Raymond Gawronski.

Her survivors include husband Ray, daughters Mary Patricia (John) Short of Carrollton, Texas, Mary Cathleen (Steve) Sagin of Tucson, AZ, sons G. Timothy (Terri) of Gillette, Wyoming, Gavin Michael of Austin, Texas, Jeffrey David (Julie Foster) of Sacramento, California, Michael Patrick of Dallas, Texas, Christopher Daniel (Patti) of North Richland Hills, Texas, Daniel Francis who was with her in Savannah, and Brian Matthew of Los Angeles, California. Grandchildren include Amber Gawronski of Sheridan, Wyoming, Ashley Gawronski of Nashville, TN, Brendan (Tori) Gawronski of Parker, CO, and Ryan and Erin Short, Dallas, Texas. Greatgrandchildren Aiden and Damion Cone of Sheridan, Wyoming and Fox Gawronski of Parker, CO.

Mary is also survived by great friends near and far; the “Nine and Dine Divas” golf group, the “A” team at the Social Apostolate and her Sacred Heart family.

Graveside services will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Olean, New York, at 11 am Thursday, April 16,2026.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Catholic Charities of South Georgia, 501 Liberty St. Savannah, GA 31401 or Sacred Heart Church, 1701 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Our family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, her Physician Dr. Danielle Mankin, and Hospice Savannah for the care and compassion they provided in the final days and hours.