Jane Cronin

Jane Cronin, 88 of La Grande and formerly of Wallowa County, died May 13.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Enterprise Community Cogregational Church, 301 N.E. First St. A reception will follow at the church.

Mrs. Cronin was born Aug. 22, 1918, in Melrose, Idaho, a few miles north of Lewiston, on a farm owned by her parents, Gertrude and Samuel Sardam. She graduated from Lewiston Normal School and then attended Eastern Oregon Normal School.

Jane began her teaching career in Lewis, a town in Wallowa County just outside of Enterprise. In true pioneer fashion, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse and rode to school each day on horseback. She told the story of how one day the county superintendent visited the school and was surprised to see her dressed in such professional attire. Jane commented that she always changed into a dress after arriving at school and building a fire to keep the room warm.

Jane continued her career as an educator and taught elementary school in Joseph and then Enterprise. She was a teacher in Wallowa County for 32 years and always said that she grew to love every student who went through her class.

She married Vic Cronin Sept. 5, 1942. He managed the Boise Cascade lumber mills in Joseph, Elgin and La Grande. When he retired, the couple moved to La Grande. They were married a few months shy of 60 years at the time of Vic's death.

On spring and summer evenings, Jane and Vic could often be found fishing on Wallowa Lake or enjoying a round of golf. They truly enjoyed their life together.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Vici Cronin and David Lindberg and two grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in care of Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., Enterprise 97828