Carol Ann (Clough) Cronin, 88, of Southborough, Mass., and West Dennis, Mass., passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, after a prolonged (but valiantly fought!) fight against cancer. Carol wore many sparkling crowns: Mother, Nana and Aunt superseded her Angel halo.
Carol was the daughter of the late Josiah and Marguerite (Carrigan) Clough, and the beloved wife of the late Richard Cronin, who died in 2008. She was predeceased by her sister, Sarah “Sally” (Clough) Hetherton and husband John “Jack” Hetherton II, and daughter-in-law Jill (Armstead) Cronin.
Carol is survived by her son, Christopher Cronin of Punta Gorda, Fla.; her daughter, Kathleen Casamento and husband Chad of Upton, Mass., and their children Colin, Kelsey and Sydney. Carol also is survived by her nieces Johanna Hetherton; Tracy (Hetherton) Berestecky and husband Matthew, and children Brian, Kieran and Bridget; Sarah (Hetherton) Yeagle and husband Eric, and children: Marin, Quinn and Aevlin; Molly (Hetherton) Heslin and husband Jason; and her nephew John Hetherton III and wife Maria, and children Caela and Kyle.
She was our North Star, our nucleus. Her passing has created a void that will never be filled.
Carol was a bit salty…like her favorite: margaritas. Brilliant, quick-witted and clever; she was our absolute encyclopedia of facts. She had a true gift of remembering details of people, places and events. Her recollection was superb. Some say she invented Sarcasm…but that has not ever been confirmed as a fact. She loved a day at the beach, a delicious lobster roll, and enjoyed both shopping and entertainment.
Over the years, she enthusiastically organized every family holiday gathering, always with flair and exceptional hosting skills. Her Irish eyes were often smiling, especially when in the company of her beloved grandchildren. She loved when we were all together and enjoyed music… but only if it was not too loud.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish, 26 Highland Street, Southborough. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Road, Southborough.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. We also encourage all to raise a toast to welcome our Carol into Paradise. Slainte!
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
