Five months before her 100th birthday Sister Michaella Cronin left this earth for Heaven. Hers is a beautiful and joyful story. Most of it was written by Carol McKean, SCN, longtime friend and community member. Carol’s knowledge and loving appreciation for Michaella makes this story a tribute indeed.

In the Cronin family, Michaella was the youngest. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on August 27, 1924 to Michael James and Margaret Mary Cronin. Her siblings, all now deceased, were Margaret (Sister James Patrick, SCN), James (Father James Edward), Ann Kevin (Mrs. Ed Fisher), Huberta (Mrs. Joseph Warren) and Mary Rose (Mrs. J. R. McCartt). She had a very happy childhood, full of love, laughter and caring for each other. The Cronin home was a place where friends, relatives and many others gathered for good times.

Her mother had a great concern for the poor, which she passed on to Michaella. Her father loved his flower garden and grew the most beautiful flowers, which he shared with many others, especially Michaella’s classroom during the month of May. From him she received an appreciation of flowers and, with her special talent, enjoyed arranging them.

Sister Michaella Cronin with members of her family at Jane Peyton’s home in Lexington, KY.
Back row: Kathleen Stutler, Cathy Mefford Schuler, Sister Michaella Cronin, Jane Cook Ellington, Pat Reibling Ehlman, Betty Banahan; seated: Ellen Banahan Mefford
Seated on steps back row: Jane Mefford Peyton, Karen (Sissy) Mefford, Janet Mefford Bryant, Claudia Banahan
Seated on steps middle row: Patsy Cook Wilson, Nancy Collins Anderson, Katie Ehlman Valaderes
Front: Ruthie Valaderes

Michaella’s first experience of Nazareth was when she was six weeks old. Her mother took her on a small pillow to visit her oldest sister Margaret, Sister James Patrick. Michaella herself recounts her growing up years:

“My first twelve years of education were spent at St. Catherine Academy [Lexington, KY]. After graduation I attended Nazareth College, where I had a great time. I was never a great student but enjoyed my life in school, socializing with my friends whom I cherished. In the summers I was a counselor at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, Maryland. I was amazed at the generosity of the Sisters and their untiring love and care for all at camp. Nothing was ever too much for them to provide for anyone. It was there I met Sisters Evelyn Hurley, Francis Anna [Matthews], Mary Issac [Kehoe], Rose Carmel [Harnden], Maria Smick and many others whom I loved and respected. It was at Camp Maria the seeds of my religious vocation were nourished, and I made my decision to become a Sister of Charity of Nazareth.”

Sisters Michaella Cronin and Carol McKean with Dr. Ashton, RSM and Agnes, RSM who lived in the big trailer at Camp Maria and helped with many camp functions

After graduating from Nazareth College, Michaella taught at St. Catherine in Lexington for six years. Then, on September 24, 1952, she entered he SCN novitiate. When she received the habit as a novice, she received the name, Sister James Marguerite. (Later she returned to her original name.) After first vows in1955, Michaella began teaching primary grades which she enjoyed very much. At this level she not only had much contact with students but also a great deal with their parents.

Sister Michaella Cronin talking with friends at a parish function

Michaella’s missions were in several states: Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Massachusetts. In 1970 she was missioned to Holy Angels School in Avenue, Maryland. This began thirty-eight years of devoted ministry to the people of southern Maryland. She served in various roles as teacher, assistant principal, pastoral associate and assistant director at Camp Maria Retreat Center. In Helen, MD she was the school secretary at Mother Catherine Spalding School, and later, assistant principal. She was the librarian at Little Flower School in Great Mills, MD. At Lexington Park, MD Michaella was pastoral associate for Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Her last and longest service in Maryland was at Camp Maria Retreat Center, from 1997 to 2008.

Sister Michaella Cronin with her friend, Sister Ellen Paul McGovern, at Camp Maria Retreat Center in Leonardtown, MD

At Camp Maria, besides being assistant director, Michaella supervised the kitchen and planned meals for all who came to Camp. She was involved with the Bible Day Camp from the beginning, and would start many months ahead. She would go to the homes of the development families, explain the program to them and get them to sign permission slips. It was her study and research of the annals that enabled her to create a history of the beautiful Camp Maria mission which has been in existence since 1937.

Sisters Carol McKean and Michaella Cronin participating in the Chaptico, MD city-wide historical celebration

Wherever Michaella was missioned, she found time outside her main ministry to visit the sick and the homebound. She called the services that the person might need, or she herself brought them nourishing and enjoyable food. Many times, it was a loving, listening ear that a person needed – someone to show care and concern. She spent time telling stories to the lonely, and sharing her own travel stories that might interest or delight them.

Sister Michaella Cronin with patients at the nursing home that she visited every Wednesday

The following quote from a former student reflects on her wonderful approach as a teacher and her infectious zest for life that gifted so many:

“When I think of the best teachers, Sr. Michaella is at the top. She loved children and had a gift for making every child feel special… I had a bad habit of occasionally eating my lunch on the bus ride to school in the mornings. Sr. Michaella never questioned it when I showed up empty handed – but she always made sure that I had a P, B & J for lunch… Her infectious enthusiasm motivated everyone around her to be the absolute best they could be… Michaella had a zest for life that was unmatched and everyone in her orbit reaped the benefits… I will miss the twinkle in her eye and her love of life. She made us all want to be better people, and I will try to continue her legacy as long as I live.”

Sister Michaella Cronin with her very good friend Father Bon Filio, administrator of Mother Catherine Spalding School in Mechanicsville, MD. She also visited the sick in his parish.

Both Sister Carol and Sister Michaella left Camp Maria with mixed feelings. As they both agreed, “We felt satisfied with our life and ministry here at Camp Maria Retreat Center and, on the other hand, ready to begin a new chapter in our lives.”

When Sisters Michaella and Carol McKean left Camp Maria in 2008 their lives of ministry were, by no means, over. At Nazareth, Carol became the associate director of Nazareth Retreat Center and Michaella became a volunteer. It was not unusual to find Michaella in the retreat office folding mailings or putting together lovely flower arrangements, meeting the retreatants or doing whatever task was at hand.

Sisters Michaella Cronin and Teresa Margaret Bransky, Prayer Partners

After a time, Michaella began using a motorized wheelchair and riding up and down the halls of beautiful Nazareth; she might also be in Carrico Hall visiting friends. Her joyous spirit endured; her ability to fix delicious meals and lovely flowers remained. Michaella had the gift of gathering – gathering friends to play cards, go for an outing, or come to visit in their apartment. For her, the more visitors who came, the better.

Sister Michaella Cronin with her great-nephew, Patrick, in San Diego

In 2024, near the time of the year when Michaella would have reached one hundred years, she had a fall. After a month, Michaella went home to God.

Sister Michaella Cronin

Years ago, in her own words, this is how Michaella saw her life as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth:

“As I reflect on my years as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, my greatest joy in life has been helping the poor and visiting the homebound. For me, this is the work that helps me bring God’s presence to others here on earth.”

Let us thank God for the life of this joyous, talented woman who reached out so faithfully to those in need.

Sisters Carol McKean, Maria Vincent Brocato, and Michaella Cronin at Camp Maria Retreat Center in Leonardtown, MD

(Sister Carol McKean provided the material to tell this story of Michaella Cronin. Sister Maria Vincent Brocato provided assistance as needed.)

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