Mary Elizabeth Cronin September 28, 1958 - November 26, 2021

Mary Elizabeth Cronin

September 28, 1958 – November 26, 2021

Mary Elizabeth Cronin, 63, reunited with her beloved parents Gerald and Jackie Wilkin and sister Kathy Rogers when she peacefully passed away on November 26, 2021 at home in Boise holding the hands of her husband of 44 years and her three beautiful children.

Mary, also known as “Mimi” by many of her friends and favorite nieces and nephews, rounded out the Wilkin family as baby sister #5 when she was born on September 28, 1958 in Rawlins, WY.  The Wilkins were a devout Catholic family, relocating back to Boise soon after Mary’s birth.  Mary and her siblings (Kathy, Denny, Pat Wees, and Dick) attended Bishop Kelly High School with Mary graduating in 1976.  During her sophomore year, Mary met Don Cronin- the soft spoken, hard handshaking, great hunting story telling love of her life.  Mary and Don were married in 1977 and were blessed with three children- Amber Elizabeth, Eric Paul, and Ashley Marie.

While raising their family, Don, Mary, and the kids enjoyed spending weekends in Garden Valley at the family cabin.  They also enjoyed summers camping and snowmobiling during the winter with great friends.  As the kids entered their high school years, Mary was routinely found in the bleachers (loudly) cheering on her son Eric at various sporting events.  Following in the family tradition, all three of Mary’s children attended the University of Idaho.  In 2007, Mary and Don joined Ashley in her semester abroad and toured Spain, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy and Belgium.

As empty nesters, Don and Mary discovered red dirt country music and were often found traveling the northwest in support of their favorite bands.  Ever the mainstay at the annual Braun Brothers Reunion, Mary could be found making new friends with fellow music lovers and a few bus drivers.

In 2008 Mary experienced life’s greatest joy when her oldest daughter Amber became a mother.  Colby McGarvey (13) was joined next by his brother Walker (9), twin cousins Jack and Kate Cronin (8) and most recently Jayce Walker (2).  Spending time together as a family- at “Colby Meadows”, on the Oregon Coast, in Southern Utah, or in the backyard by the fire pit- the cousins loved their time with Nana, Papa, and their parents- Ben and Amber McGarvey, Eric and Mary Cronin, and Phil and Ashley Walker.

In 2017, the family grew just a bit larger when Sassy- a mut lab mix- joined the squad.  Mary and Sassy were quite the pair and loved hiking and running together.  Mary was very active- loved her running group at Eagle Fitness Club and gym mates at CrossFit Station.  Mary completed the Race to Robie Creek a handful of times, competed in countless 5k, 10k and half marathons races and finished a full marathon at the age of 56.

Mary’s work ethic was unparalleled.  She was a devoted employee in the insurance industry specializing in workers’ compensation for over 45 years.

Mary was adored by many.  She loved life and never met a stranger.  Her smile was ever present and she always made everyone she talked to feel like they were the only one in the room.    Mary courageously battled glioblastoma mulitiforme- when asked if she needed anything or how she was doing- her go to answer was always “I’m fine.”  She was taken too soon, but there is comfort in knowing she is now without pain and her family and friends eagerly await the day when they are all reunited again.

In celebration of Mary’s life, a public viewing at 10:00 am and mass at 11:00 am will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located 811 S Latah St, Boise, ID 83705 on Friday, December 3^rd.  Eric & Mary Cronin invite close friends and family to their house in Eagle (1212 E Riversong Drive) at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Mary’s name to St. Luke’s Health Foundation – Hospice

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.