AUBURN – Doris M. (Howard) Bogosian Cronin, 91, a longtime head start teacher and dance instructor, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2017 after a period of declining health. Doris was born in Worcester on November 20, 1926, daughter of the late Daniel and Idris (Bennett) Howard and sister to Helen (Howard) Haggerty Jamieson who preceded her in death. For many years, Doris and her husband of 40 years, Daniel J. Cronin who passed away in 2012, enjoyed spending Saturdays by the sea in New Hampshire and Maine. Strawberry Bank in Portsmouth was one of their all-time favorites.
Doris was a dedicated and respected teacher with the Head Start Program for 35 years, retiring at age 75. She then went on to work as a teacher at Magic Years Daycare for the next 5 years, finally retiring at age 80. Doris loved children and they loved her. She was a gifted teacher and encourager who brought creativity and fun (and dance) to learning!
Doris grew up in the Highland Street area, attending Worcester Public Schools and received a teaching degree from UMASS Amherst. She was a longtime member of Lincoln Square Baptist church in her youth and attended Charlton Baptist Church in her later years.
As a young adult, Doris was a professional dancer, traveling with the Clyde Jordan Dance Group. She carried her talent into teaching dance to children living in Great Brook Valley and Curtis Apartments during the 1960’s followed by an annual recital held at the Lincoln Neighborhood Center. Not stopping there, she also taught dance within the Head Start Program for many years, closing each school year out with a fun recital.
Doris is survived by her four children: Laura (Bogosian) Liberatore and husband Matt, Polly (Bogosian) Cleveland and husband Russ, David Bogosian, and Mark Bogosian; and her three step children, Danny Cronin, Timmy Cronin, and Robin Cruz. She is also survived by her dear grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her former husband, Owen Bogosian and his wife Janice of Danville, VA.
Doris will be dearly missed by family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was an exceptional person, always complementing and encouraging, never criticizing. She found something good in everyone.
A celebration of Doris’ life will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, December 28 at Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. A visiting hour will also be held on Thursday from 12:30 pm until the time of the service. Burial in Hope Cemetery will be private.