Mary Virginia Pederson Cronenwett passed away on May 24, 2022, after a brief illness at the age of 94. Mary was the beloved daughter of Herbert A. and Virginia Pederson, sister of Col. Herbert A. (Anne) Pederson. She grew up in Pacific Grove, California, and attended Pacific Grove High School. She shared many wonderful stories of her idyllic childhood over the years. Mary had a circle of high school friends that wrote to each other weekly for many years. Their reunions were the highlight of her life.

Mary was first and foremost a dedicated Mother. She had four children by her first marriage: Diane Tilstra, Christine (Mark) Tilstra Flodin, Mark (Kathy) Tilstra, Joy Tilstra, and one son by her second marriage: James Cronenwett. She had three stepchildren Arleta (Hank) Tonning, Dan (Rose) Cronenwett, and Sam Cronenwett, Jr. She was a grandmother, great grandmother and in September 2021, she became a great great grandmother. Her legacy grew exponentially and she loved each and every one of her extended family.

Mary loved to laugh and sing. She was an artist that painted in oils and water-color media. She gifted all of her family with beautiful works. She was an inspirational cook and baker. She taught all of her offspring how to cook great food. Her pies were legendary. Mary worked with Christine Flodin in her bed and breakfast as a baker and she was very proud of the beautiful baked goods she produced for the Wine Country Inn in Prosser, WA. Writing was another passion of hers. She wrote many short stories and poems that reflected her life.

Traveling to Italy in 1992 and Thailand in 1996, with her daughter, Diane, were highlights in her life. Mary also loved going to the local casino!

Mary survived difficult times with grace, gratitude, and humor. Mary modeled responsibility and honesty. She celebrated a 2nd marriage to Sam Cronenwett which brought her happiness, stepchildren and a cherished son. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Cronenwett. Mary is survived by all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Mary lived a good long life and her memory will always be cherished by her family and friends. Mary would want all of us to cherish each other and spend time with family creating good stories filled with laughter and joy.

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