Mary Croke

Maura (Mary) (née Conneely) Croke, age 100, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2025.

It is with deep love and gratitude that we share the passing of our Mum on Christmas Day. We are thankful she passed gently at home, surrounded by love, on a day that so perfectly reflected her faith and spirit. Her life of devotion came to rest on such a sacred day.

Born in 1925 in her beloved Ennistymon (Inis Díomáin), County Clare, Ireland, along the Inagh River, Maura devoted more than 60 years of her life to nursing. She served as a registered nurse in England during World War II, caring for Allied soldiers and prisoners of war. After emigrating to the United States, she continued her nursing career at Rhode Island Hospital, Steere House and Tockwotton on the Waterfront care homes, caring for others with dedication, skill, and compassion. She retired from Rhode Island Hospital and continued working into her 80s before retiring fully. 

Mum lived her Catholic faith through a lifetime of quiet service and kindness. She volunteered in schools and youth sports, supervised polling stations, and served as president of the Welcome Wagon and her bowling league. Her acts of civic and community service are too numerous to list and many known only to those she quietly served. She volunteered her nursing skills in churches, synagogues, and temples throughout downtown Providence, offering care to all who came, without distinction or condition. “Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” ~ Pope Leo

Her life of good works was an expression of living faith. God’s grace at work through a person inspiring all who knew her and glorifying God, a true witness to the heart of Catholicism.

Maura was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known simply to all who knew her as “Mum.” Steady, kind, and deeply loved, she will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and lifelong care for others.

She was predeceased by her husband, Pierce (Peter) Croke; her parents, Mae (née O’Loughlin) and Seamus Conneely; her eldest daughter, Susan (née Croke) Stephenson, and her many beloved sisters, brothers, and dear friends.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Maureen (née Croke) and Wayne Warner; John and Eileen (née Scheibl) Croke; Peter Croke; and Deirdre (née Croke) and Timothy Turner. She is also survived by her grandchildren and partners: Daniel Stephenson; Timothy and Stephanie Stephenson; John and Nicholas Lane; John and Courtney Croke; Patrick Croke and Julianne Lefebvre; and her great-grandchildren: Maya Lane; Autumn, Morgan, and Maximilian Stephenson; Brady, Declan Croke; and Delaney, Dylan Croke.

Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Family and friends are invited to attend a wake at Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home, 1895 Broad St., Cranston, on Monday, December 29, 2025, 4:00-7:00 PM, preceded by a private family gathering from 3:15–3:30 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church. Beautifully decorated for Christmas, it is a setting we know Mum would have loved.

There is no need to meet at the funeral home beforehand. 

Pallbearers are asked to arrive at the church at 9:30 AM, and immediate family between 9:15–9:30 AM. Following the Mass, all are welcome to join the family for a gathering at Brass Monkey, 800 Allens Avenue, Providence, RI

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Croke, please visit our floral store.