Community Corner
Petaluma to Celebrate Cronin's 106th in Grand Fashion
Fire chief and councilman are among the confirmed dignitaries who will honor Petaluma's ageless wonder at a public celebration on Thursday.
Hollywood types these days swear by a mix of fresh water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup that they say is the secret to life-extending cleansed bliss.
Paulyne Cronin offers a simpler formula.
“I don’t get stressed about anything,” Cronin said.
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Advocates of the Lemon Detox Diet or some of today's other health crazes are warned to underestimate Cronin's health advice at their own peril.
On Thursday, she will turn 106.
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Cronin, a lifelong Bay Area resident, lives at Petaluma's Valley Orchards Retirement Community, where her birthday will be celebrated in grand fashion with ice cream sundaes and live music.
Petaluma Fire Chief Larry Anderson and councilman Mike Harris are confirmed attendees for the 3 p.m. event that's open to the public.
Anderson, who will be accompanied by an entourage of Petaluma firefighters will present Cronin with a proclamation from Petaluma Mayor David Glass and a certificate from Gov. Jerry Brown.
The daughter of Grace and Alfred Bovo. Cronin was born in Berkeley, moving as a small child to San Francisco, where she lived until 2005.
She married Thomas “Pat” Cronin, a San Francisco firefighter. Their son is Thomas Patrick Cronin.
Paulyne has traveled world, visiting far-flung destinations in Asia in Europe, among others.
Cronin moved into a Valley Orchards apartment in 2005, where she lived independently until 2012.
She is still known as a sharp dresser who brings a sense of vitality to the Valley Orchards community, staffers say.
“Up until recently she had an exercise bike in her room which pretty much blew everybody away,” said Judith Connors, a Valley Orchards employee, noting Cronin's positive attitude seems to rub off on just about everybody.
“She's been an inspiration to all of us and especially to the other residents here because she's very strong. She never complains about aches and pains. She has such a positive attitude.”
She cites excellent medical care she's received in Petaluma as a key factor in her remarkably good health.
Cronin has contributed to many charitable organizations throughout her life.
She describes herself as a devout Catholic.
“My faith has helped me,” Cronin said. “I listen to what God wants for me.”
