Jo Ann Cronin

Jo Ann Cronin, age 67, of Imperial, died in Kansas City on December 14, 2020 from complications with Alzheimer’s. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and community leader. She enthusiastically and selflessly gave her time to her community both on a local and national level. Her kindness and commitment to friends, family and community will be missed and cherished as an example for those in her life.

Jo Ann is a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). She became the Department of Missouri President in 1990-1991. In 2006-2007, she was elected the National President during which she focused on creative arts, raising over $100,000 for the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. As an ambassador, she visited local ALAs and dignitaries across the United States, territories, Europe and Asia. Jo Ann remained an active member of the ALA following her presidency initiating the Strategic Planning Committee for the National ALA and was instrumental in the creation of the ALA Foundation. Her support of Missouri Girls State was recognized in 2015 with the naming of a city in her honor.

Jo Ann graduated from St. Pius X High School, completed a bachelor’s in mathematics from Notre Dame College and a master’s in computer science from University of Missouri—St. Louis. A devout Catholic and member of St. Joseph Church, she taught RCIA and served on their finance committee. Jo Ann worked at the Department of Defense for over 30 years serving on numerous special projects and holding several leadership positions.

Jo Ann is survived by her mother, Adeline Cronin; brother, Gary (Karen) Cronin; and sister, Patti (Bob) Hardin. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews—Dan (Brandi) Cronin, Tracy (Daren) LaRose, Derek (Nikki) Hardin, Brian (Tierney) Cronin, and Erin (Chris) Kiella—and their children who will miss her dearly and forever be grateful for the impression she made on their life. She is preceded in death by her father, Jack M. Cronin.

Services for Jo Ann will occur at a later date. Donation may be made to the ALA Foundation (3450 Founders Road Indianapolis, IN 46268; http://alafoundation.org/donate/).