Mansfield: Patricia Irene Cromer passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Friday, August 8, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. She was 95.
Born April 16, 1930, in Mansfield, she was the daughter of the late William and Anna (Streitmater) Mertler. A lifelong area resident, Irene was a 1948 graduate of Lexington High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Mansfield General School of Nursing.
On September 20, 1952, she married her childhood friend and love, Robert Cromer. The two had known each other since elementary school and were blessed with over 70 years of marriage.
Irene took great pride in her role as a homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. A talented seamstress, Irene thoughtfully made quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for her immaculate housekeeping. An exceptional cook, Irene’s kitchen was filled with the aroma of homemade meals and baked goods. Her famous cutout sugar cookies and signature molasses cookies became family traditions that will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed. It was not uncommon for her homemade cookies to “arrive” at her grandchildren’s dorm.
Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether taking them on drives through Mansfield, planning impromptu tea parties with, or working on puzzles at the kitchen table, Irene made every visit a cherished memory. She had a quiet love for reading and a gentle way of making ordinary moments feel special.
She attended New Life Church of Christ. A woman of deep faith, Irene’s life was a reflection of grace, humility, and steady devotion to both her Savior and her family.
She is survived by her children; son Scott (Deborah) Cromer; daughter Carla Grewe; grandchildren Micah (Kate) Lawrence, Paul (Claire) Grewe, Scott (Elizabeth) Grewe, Jaclynn (Christopher) Tornabene, Nathan (Amanda) Cromer, Christopher (Whitney) Cromer and LeeAnne (Jason) Miller; great-grandchildren Penny Grewe, John Grewe, Miya and Kya Lawrence, Marlo and Autumn Tornabene, Meadow (Garrett) Miller, Callie (Sidney) Smalley, Tristan Cromer, Jonathan Cromer, Marlee Cromer, Avery DeVivo, Samuel DeVivo, Elliana Cromer and Annalee Cromer, Anson and Kellen Miller; sister-in-law Sandra Mertler; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Cromer; son-in-law Jack Grewe; great-grandson James Nathan Cromer; siblings Julianne Gremling, William Mertler, and Jerry Mertler.
No public service will be held in Irene’s memory. The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cromer family.
Online condolences may be made by visiting:SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Bellville-Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
