Nancy Farrell, President — Pat and I organized the Women in Publishing Committee of 9 to 5 in 1974, were both Chairs of 9 to 5, then lobbyists and fast friends. I am CEO of Regina Villa Associates, a Public Relations firm in Boston. I am also co-chair of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in New England.

Lew Eisenberg, Treasurer — I first met Pat in 1974 when she was organizing women office workers with my wife, Nancy Farrell. I am a partner in the law firm of Cosgrove, Eisenberg and Kiley. I chair the annual Action for Boston Community Development's "Field of Dreams" fundraiser. I am the father of two girls and live in Brookline.

Jan Z. Rose, Clerk — For the twelve years Pat and I worked together, she was my mentor and dear friend. I am Director of Government Affairs at ML Strategies, LLC. Being a part of this foundation gives me great pride in honoring Pat's memory.

Steve Weiner, Assistant Clerk — I was very fortunate to work with Pat and to be her friend. I am a Partner, in the Health Care Law Section of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Gina P. Addis — When I first started at Mintz Levin 10 years ago, my former colleagues at the Governor's Office said "You've got to get to know Pat Cronin, she's terrific." And indeed she was that and more. Over the years, Pat was always there with invaluable advice and counsel, both professional and personal. In particular, I recall extensive discussions around the value of a good pedicure! I am Director of Public Relations for Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Lynda Bernard — Pat and I met in the House Chamber while monitoring the Legislative Sessions. I so admired Pat's professionalism and dedication to her job. She was my hero and I often told her this. I was fortunate to have known her and call her my friend. I am a Vice President at The Brennan Group.

Don Cornuet — Anyone who knew Pat would agree - she was a special person. She touched numerous lives. I feel very fortunate to have shared her friendship, knowledge, wisdom, wit and, most importantly, laughter. I learned a great deal from her, especially courage. I only hope, that when life issues such future challenges to me, I handle them with as much grace and dignity as Pat did. I am a healthcare administrator in Boston. I live with my life partner in Walpole.

Kimberly Fletcher — I knew Pat for 25 years. We were introduced by a friend of mine in law school. Pat's courage with cancer continues to inspire me. I'm an administrative magistrate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. My husband, son and I live in Wellesley.

Margaret Oliver

Tara Rendon — I met Pat through my husband Rick (an advisory board member). Rick and I were honored to have her as a member of our wedding party. Pat was a true friend in every sense of the word and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I am employed in the International Marketing Department of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Jane Welch — Pat's friend of close to 25 years. Pat was very much a part of me. We did everything together. I feel blessed to have so many memories of the times we shared. I am a business owner and manage a sales force representing publishers of children's books.

Advisory Board

The Honorable Thomas M. Finneran, Honorary Chairman — Pat Cronin was a joy. We knew each other from our respective work and roles in the legislature/public policy arena. We'd agree at times, we'd disagree at other times - but we'd laugh at ourselves at all times. She had spunk and spark and a zest for living in the service of others.

Charles Baker — President, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Joanne Buckley — Patti and I met while student teaching in 1969. We became and remained cherished friends. From our teenage years through adulthood, Patti was with me every step of the way. She taught me to laugh at everything. I am privileged to have been a part of her family, and her mine. I live in New Orleans with my husband Paul, and daughters Elizabeth and Anna.

Paul Buckley — In her job as a lobbyist, Patti had a tremendous ability to sort through the minutiae. She was extremely perceptive, full of common sense and driven to resolution. I used her knowingly as a confidant and advisory in my position of an Area Vice President in the hospitality industry. She was a dear friend of myself and my wife Joanne.

Beth Cronin — Pat was my sister, technically my sister-in-law. After 26 years of marriage to Patti's baby brother, Richard, we would talk, walk, and SHOP (no baking/cooking) together every chance we could. We live in Brewster on the Cape, and have three children: Kim, Brendan, and Jake. Each of us was very lucky to have had a special relationship with Auntie Patti and have fond memories of many special times together.

Dennis Cronin — Patti, my sister, took over as the head of the family when our Dad died. She brought us together and kept us together. She showed us all how to live life with class, dignity, and above all, a lot of fun. This is how she lived her life. She inspires us to do the same. I live in Moretown, Vermont with my wife, Kate, and our two daughters, Glynnis and Elizabeth.

Kimberly A. Cronin — I am Patti's niece and I'm a lucky young woman to have had a role model like my Aunt Patti. I recently graduated from UMass @ Amherst (hospitality program). Currently, I am working in the Rooms Division department of Ocean Edge Resort on Cape Cod.

Richard J. Cronin — I am Pat's youngest brother. Pat was and is the most influential person in my life. I miss her everyday. I have been married to Beth for 21 years and I am father to Brendan, Kim and Jake.

The Honorable Joan Menard — Our friendship was inevitable! We were two blondes who loved Democratic politics - who loved to be activists - who loved beautiful clothes - who loved the beach - and of course, who loved a nice cold glass of Chardonnay. We became very close friends, almost immediately. She helped me whenever I needed her, and I hope I helped her. She showed tremendous strength and enthusiasm, dignity and courage, and caring and support. What I will cherish and remember the most about our relationship is that we simply loved to make each other laugh!
Joan M. Menard
Majority Whip
Massachusetts State Senate

The Honorable Therese Murray — Chair, MA Senate Ways & Means Committee, and a friend of Pat Cronin's

The Honorable Alice Hanlon Peisch — Pat Cronin's life inspired her friends to form this Foundation, and I am proud to serve on its Advisory Board. I met Pat through a mutual friend, but really got to know more about her life and courage through the Foundation founded in her name. I am the State Representative for Wellesley, Weston and Natick (Precinct 10), an overseer at Newton Wellesley Hospital, and on the Board of Directors of Wellesley Senior Living, Inc. I look forward to helping other women and their families who are battling cancer.

Rick Rendon — Pat was a good friend of mine for nearly twenty years. I met Pat through politics and we worked together on numerous campaigns from Massachusetts to the small island nation of Aruba. And as I always remind my wife Tara, Pat was my friend first! Oh, by the way, I run a public relations and communications company here in Boston.

Paul Stewart — In 1998, the devastating diagnosis of cancer affected not only me as the patient, but my entire family and circle of friends. I won my battle and have survived, so far. I will do anything to assist those that are now in their fights. The Cronin Foundation does noble work and I am honored to be one of their teammates.
Director, Boston Bruins Foundation Retired NHL Referee & Honorary Spokesman, Hockey Fights Cancer

*Special thanks to Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. for the in-kind services of Legal Counsel.

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