Obituary of Anne L. Cronin

Rockport – Anne Cronin passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024. She was 93. During her days in hospice, Anne was surrounded by friends and family, wildlife and nature, and spent many hours soaking up sunshine and love.

Anne Littlefield was born on July 22, 1931 to Wilhelmina Hauser and Fred Littlefield in Dexter, Maine, home to many generations of ancestors. When Anne and her older sister Jeanne were young, her family moved to Birch Grove Camps in Newport, Maine, where the young sisters were free to explore the woods and lakeshore. After moving to Waterville in 1945, Anne played violin in her high school orchestra and with the Colby College symphony. Anne spent summers in the Belgrade Lakes region studying violin at music programs and later working at lakeside resorts. Anne’s artistic talents won her a scholarship to the Cambridge School of Design in Massachusetts, where she studied art and design with esteemed international artists. There, she met her husband Charles “Chuck” Cronin. They married in May 1953, settled in Boston, and Anne became the art director for a fashion house. In 1957, they moved to Bangor, Maine, where they raised their five children and Anne established a banking career with Merchants National Bank and later Bangor Savings Bank. Anne played violin with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and she and Chuck were founding members of the Bangor Community Chorus, among other visual and performing arts groups. They shared a love of painting, participated in local and regional art shows, and enjoyed gifting their artwork to family and friends.

During Anne’s retirement, she and Chuck enjoyed a view of Penobscot Bay from their home on Bayview Street in Belfast. There, Anne concentrated on her passion for gardening and created lush gardens surrounding their home. After Chuck’s passing in 2005, Anne and her sister spent winter months each year in Palm Springs, California. Always finding joy and inspiration in the natural landscapes she inhabited, from Maine to California, Anne captured its beauty and character by creating images that reveal the softness and tranquility of the world. While a serious stroke in 2009 affected her mobility and use of her right arm, working tirelessly—and demonstrating extraordinary strength and resilience—Anne regained her abilities to a significant degree. An inspiration to her friends and family, Anne continued to draw and paint after her stroke.

Anne’s love and compassion were extended to many beyond her immediate friends and family. Her bright eyes, smile, and curiosity were just a few of her delightful qualities treasured by all who knew her. Likewise, the love and support she received from her dear friends were a constant source of happiness for her, and the dedication from her caregivers enabled her independence and comfort.

Anne is predeceased by her husband, Charles Cronin, son, John Cronin, sister Jeanne Hammond, and brother-in-law Earle Hammond. She is survived by four of her children, Deanna Carson (Stan Carson), Catherine Cronin (Peter Webb), Barry Cronin (Monica Cronin), and Kevin Cronin (Jamie Cronin); five grandchildren, Dan Carson, Kyle Cronin, Julianne Sawyer, Lee Webb, and Caroline Webb; two great grandchildren, William Carson and Adria Carson; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

In remembrance of her love of the infinite beauty that surrounds us, Anne’s family invites you to spend a moment in nature.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on this Tribute page, and details will be shared in the spring regarding a May 2025 celebration of life.