Nilda Rodea Cronk Obituary (1957 - 2023)

Nilda Rodea Cronk, born on May 18, 1957, to Gonzalo V. Sr. and Lydia Rodea, peacefully passed away August 19, 2023. She was the third of six children, dividing her formative years between Michigan and Texas. Nilda attended Lansing Eastern High School before later achieving her GED. Family was Nilda's cornerstone, and her heart embraced moments with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A fall tradition found her engrossed in Sunday football, where she actively participated in fantasy football leagues. Known for her warm heart, Nilda's vibrant spirit was evident in her playful eccentric socks and engaging conversations. In her leisure time, she found solace in crocheting, where she knitted every family member a blanket; beach outings, gardening, and traveling. Festive holidays saw her crafting cherished ornaments, a testament to her love for creativity. Nilda's passions extended to relishing Biggby coffee, savoring seafood, and delighting in cooking. Her pets--Pedro the cat, and four dogs: Skittles, Chico, Lucci, and Ozzy--held a special place in her heart. She drew immense affection from her family and friends. Her professional journey culminated at Michigan State University, and retirement brought her cherished time alongside her husband, family, and pets. Nilda's artistic flair shone through, as she adorned holidays with her creations, crafting ornaments that remain cherished keepsakes. Nilda was preceded in death by her parents: Gonzalo and Lydia Rodea, her brother Gonzalo Rodea Jr., and her nephew Gonzalo D. Rodea. She leaves behind a legacy of love survived by her husband, Robert Cronk; children: Julie Delgado, Juanita Delgado, Jackie (Robert) Thomas, John (Rita Castilla) Delgado, all of Lansing, and Tiffany (Willie Toliver) Cronk of Holland. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren: MeKiella, Juan, Alexis, Dominique, Seryna, Marissa, Tamia, Robert II, Reina, Ramona, Santiago, Elijah, Elonzo, Serenity, and Kratos, as well as great-grandchildren: Sabrandon, Anthony, Ezabell, A'Myia, Juan II, Zay'Den, and Zakai. She is survived by her brother, Fernando (Patricia) Rodea, and sisters Silvia Silvia, Enriqueta Rodea, and Avelina Singleton. Also mourning her loss are her in-laws, Jim and Sharron Cronk, alongside several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nilda's indelible mark on hearts and her legacy of love and creativity will be cherished forever. Nilda Rodea Cronk's family has scheduled her celebration of life for September 9, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Elderado Event Center, 5206 S. Cedar St. Lansing, MI 48911