Mrs. Mary Fisher Cronenwett's Obituary
Mary Fisher Cronenwett, age 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Poppen Residence. Mary was born November 6, 1929 to Urban A. and Mabelle (Murphy) Fisher in Detroit. Mary moved to Grand Rapids at an early age and spent the first half of her life there, graduating from Marywood Academy with the Class of 1947. She then went on to Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Junior College. Mary was employed by Michigan Mutual Insurance for 15 years and was then hired as St. Mary’s Hospital’s first full-time Director of Public Relations. Mary began her lifelong commitment to volunteering and public service while in Grand Rapids. She served on the board and was chairperson of the MDA drive in Grand Rapids, was the first president of the Alexander Campbell Guild for Blodgett Hospital, and was on the Board of Directors of the Indian Trail Camp for the Physically Handicapped from 1962 until 1997.
In her 40’s, Mary met Wilson R. (Bill) Cronenwett (Cmdr., USN, Ret.), a widower. She found the great love of her life in Bill and they married on June 6, 1975. Retiring from her career, Mary began the second half of her life with Bill in Muskegon, moving to his centennial farm in Holton. Knowing no one in the Muskegon area, but benefiting from Bill’s own extensive involvement in community theater and service organizations, Mary sought ways to serve her newly adopted community through volunteer service. Working together and separately with many organizations, Mary and Bill made many wonderful friendships. She loved to entertain and knew how to have a good time. The annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were one of her favorites. Bill preceded Mary in death on July 6, 1994. Although heartbroken, she resolved to continue her community involvement. Mary served 10 years on the Board of Review for Cedar Creek Township, where she was appointed to fill her husband’s vacancy. Mary moved to North Muskegon in November, 2004.
Spanning her years in the Muskegon area, Mary was involved in more activities and organizations than many of her good friends even realized. Her many involvements included working with the Friends of Hackley Public Library, where she and Bill were honored for their work in bringing the Book of Kells, in addition to serving as president. Mary served three terms as president of Friends of Art at the Muskegon Museum of Art. She also worked with the Mercy Hospital Guild, serving a term as president, as she did with the Muskegon County Museum. She proudly served 12 years on the board with Harbor Hospice, where she volunteered and also helped raise funds for the Poppen Residence. Mary worked with Project Literacy and volunteered with the United Way for many years. She served 9 years on the West Michigan Symphony board and was an active member of the Greater Muskegon Service League, Hackley Free Bed, the Irish American Guild (2 terms as president), the Fifth Guild at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Questors. She devoted countless hours at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry West Michigan Catholic Charities, and donated over 110 units of blood. In 2006, Mary received the Richard Charles Ford Arts and Humanities Award.
Mary is survived by her step-daughters, Christine Cronenwett and Corrine “Connie” Cronenwett (John Lilley); two step-grandchildren; a brother, Urban A “Bud” (Tess) Fisher; and 13 nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by a brother, John Fisher, and 2 sisters, Joan “Judy” LaFave and Lenore Thompson. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at 4:00PM on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1100 Dykstra Rd., North Muskegon, with Fr. Michael P. Olson presiding and Fr. Peter Vu concelebrating. Per Mary’s wishes, an Irish wake will follow (details after the Funeral Mass). In lieu of flowers, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Harbor Hospice, West Michigan Catholic Charities/Loaves and Fishes, or any of the above organizations with which Mary was involved.
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