Joan M. Cronan

With her children by her side, Joan M. (Frank) Cronan, 90, of Pennside, passed away on November 19, 2019 at Mifflin Center in Shillington.

Joan and her husband, Charles G. Cronan, were married for over 60 years and were blessed with six children. Charlie passed away February 11, 2011.

Born in Reading, Joan was the daughter of the late Clarence and Marie (St. Clair) Frank. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1947 and worked as a receptionist and secretary until marrying Charlie in 1950.

Throughout her life, Joan was a giver. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Selfless to the core, she strived to improve the lives of loved ones and strangers alike.

An exemplary supporter of her community, Joan volunteered at Birthrite of Berks County, Meals on Wheels, and for various hospice programs. A woman of great faith, Joan was a longtime member of St. Catharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Penn where she was honored to serve as a Eucharistic Minister.

Joan had a special place in her heart for Stone Harbor, New Jersey where she and her family, along with close friends, vacationed for many decades. She was an avid reader, lover of dogs, and made the best molasses cookies in the world. She also is lauded for her macaroni and cheese, otherwise known as Joanie Cronie's Macaroni.

She and Charles took much pride in their six children: Robert Cronan, Phoenixville, PA; Kate Cronan (Stephen Zderic), Rose Valley, PA; Beth Cronan Bailey (Bruce Green), Richmond, VA; James (Barbara) Cronan, Pennside, PA; Brian Cronan (deceased); and Margaret Cronan, Philadelphia, PA. Joan was extremely close to her three siblings: Patricia, widow of Lawrence Fessler; John (Marianne) Frank; and Susan (Albert) Pohl. And she absolutely adored her twelve grandchildren: Brianna, Vanessa, Olivia, Colin, Natalie, Caitlin, Brendan, Jesse, Andrew, Timmy, Justin, and Alexis and five great-grandchildren who all survive her.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2019, at St. Catharine of Siena Chapel, 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or St. Catharine's RCC at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.