Hazel L. (Brumbach) Cronin

Waltham – Mrs. Hazel L. (Brumbach) Cronin died Monday, November 20, 2023 at her Waltham home with family by her side.  She was 98.

Hazel was born in Brockton on October 10, 1925, a daughter of the late Frederick and Edith (Podvin) Brumbach, and was a graduate of Brockton High School.  Shortly after her marriage to Waltham native John E. Cronin, Sr., the pair made Waltham their lifelong home.

She worked for a time for the Brockton school system and as an executive secretary at Taunton State Hospital before becoming the longtime secretary to the principal at Waltham’s Banks Elementary School.  Her engaging personality, kind spirit and warm smile made her many lifelong friends including teachers, students and administrators.

Hazel will long be remembered for her devotion to her husband and to her children.  Her home and garden were meticulous and she was happiest when family was around . . . especially her much loved grandchildren.  She and her husband and five children were enthusiastic campers, traveling across country many times.  Following their retirement she and John continued to travel with family and friends throughout the United States and Europe.

Her husband John died on September 14, 2009.

She was the devoted mother of Margaret C. Wilson (Stephen), of Shirley, (Ret.) Sergeant John E. Cronin, Jr. WPD (Joan), of Burlington, Thomas E. Cronin of Brunswick, Georgia, Anne L. Campbell (James), of Northborough and Jeanne E. Cronin of Waltham. She was the beloved Grammy to John E. Cronin, III (Kristin), Daniel A. Cronin (Alison), Kathleen N. Colombo (Stephen), Jenna C. Cronin, Grace A. Campbell, Michael F. Campbell (Mallory), Stephen T. Campbell (Stephanie) and Matthew J. Campbell (Lili); and Great-Grammy to Kelsey, Abigail, Layla, William, John, Nora, Joseph, Matthew, Lucy and Jacob. Hazel also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and their families and her dear neighbors who became part of the family for more than six decades.

Hazel was also the sister of the late Lawrence Brumbach (late Carol) and Dorothy Hickman (late Stewart).

Hazel was a kind and gentle woman who strove to be loving to everyone she knew. She loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally. Memories of Hazel will make us laugh and smile and will remain deep within our hearts until we meet again.

Family and friends will honor and remember Hazel’s life by gathering for calling hours on Monday, November 27^th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will celebrated at 10 a.m.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the John E. Cronin Scholarship, c/o Waltham High School, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA  02452 or to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, MA  02451.