Patricia "Aunt Pat" Cronin

Patricia Cronin, Aunt Pat, age 90, of Indianapolis, passed away September 16, 2016. Pat was born in Indianapolis to William and Marie (McCarty) Cronin. Her ancestors can be traced back to Galway, Ireland. Although Pat never married, she did have two brothers who each had seven children, giving Pat eleven nieces and three nephews. She is referred to as "Aunt Pat" by her family and even those outside of her biological family. Pat grew up in St. Joan of Arc Parish. She went to school at St. Agnes and attended Marian College for two years. After leaving Marian College, Pat became involved at St. Joan of Arc with the Legion of Mary, an organization of men and women that do parish work. She worked at the Fatima Retreat House for 50 years, when it was originally located on Raymond Street. Pat was involved heavily in the development of Fatima, and was a key organizer during the relocation to its current home on 56th Street. One of her main duties was to help organize retreats for business women. Keeping Fatima running smoothly was only one of Pat's professional jobs. Pat started her career at the Indianapolis Athletic Club and then moved to a position with the Electric Le...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

e of Indianapolis. When her brother started his own flower shop, Pat went to work for him and also became involved in the State Florist Association of Indiana. She was their Executive Director for over 30 years. Pat built a relationship with Ed and Thelma Schoenberger, founders and owners of the Flower and Patio Show, Christmas Gift and Hobby Show, and the Indianapolis Auto Show. Pat really made her mark in Indianapolis from this point planning and organizing events, and serving as Executive Secretary for the Auto Show. In March of 2008, she was recognized for her 50 years of work on these shows. Pat is also no stranger to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For 25 years, she served as the Pace Car Coordinator for the Indy 500 working with Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. Pat was a member of Christ the King Parish for over 30 years. One of her most visual and ongoing contributions to Christ the King Parish began over 25 years ago when she began keeping the grounds around the rectory tidy. She was also a lector at Christ the King for a number of years. Pat was voted Irish Citizen of the Year in 2009, an honor she was very proud of because she was the first female Irish Citizen elected in Indianapolis. She also was recently honored as CYO's first camp counselor helping to create a legacy of fun, friendship, and faith. Pat was the Irish woman who loved the Colts and Notre Dame Football. At one time she had a big green shamrock on her home to let you know how proud she was of her heritage. She even had a dog named Irish. Pat has been an Indianapolis Colts season ticket holder since the team came to town. She had her seat from the RCA Dome in her house along with many other decorations and collectibles. Survivors include her nieces and nephews: Ann Morris, Marie(Danny) Cronin, Pat(Joe) Stites, Margaret (Jack) Weinberg, Tom (Thao) Cronin, Catherine(Chris) Hayes, Jacque (Bob) Disinger, Karen Cronin, Sharon(Joe) Galbo, Bill(Ellen) Cronin, Kathleen(John) Lott, Susie(Dave) Black, Bob(Diana) Cronin, and 22 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, William J. Cronin, Robert E. Cronin; niece, Mary Beth Parker; and dear friend Bob Alerding. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 4-7 PM at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5884 N. Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226, and Christ the King Catholic Church. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.