Elaine Lenor Kroonen

Elaine Lenore (Cunliffe-Owen) Kroonen, 91 who lived in Corona, California passed away on July 25, 2023. She was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Helen and Eugene Cunliffe-Owen. Elaine went to Waukegan High School and graduated in 1952. While working for the PX at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center she was introduced to her husband Jack William Kroonen in the winter of 1952 while he was in the Marine Corps. They kept in close contact and while Jack was traveling from San Diego to Virginia, they were married during a weekend visit on April 15, 1953. Jack and Elaine celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past April. They started their lives in Arlington, Viriginia where she worked for the FBI. Jack was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1954 and they moved to Inglewood, California where she began her career for the Pacific Telephone Company. In 1959, Jack was offered an opportunity to move to England for a short period of time and they spent any available time traveling all through Europe. In addition, they lived in Torrance, Costa Mesa, and Lake San Marcos before moving to Corona in 1971. Elaine retired from the phone company on December 31, 1985. Jack and Elaine were also business partners in Corona owning Fares Industrial Supply, Ace Hardware, and Ace Lawn Mower until Jack's retirement in 1998. Elaine is survived by her beloved husband Jack W. Kroonen of Corona, California. Her nephew David (Erika) Cunliffe-Owen; great nephews and niece, Emmett, Grant, and Sofia Cunliffe-Owen; Godsons, Paul, Todd, and Michael Guirsch.; Sister Carol (Bob) Kolb; brother Phil (Susan) Cunliffe-Owen; sister Jeannie Truax. She is preceded in death by her dear grandparents who raised her, John and Maybel Yager; her parents, Helen Oxx and Eugene Cunliffe-Owen; her brother Ron (Bev) Cunliffe-Owen whom she loved dearly; brother Jim Cunliffe-Owen; and her many Boston Terriers. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to being a devoted wife, aunt, and friend to many, she became an avid golfer upon retirement. She was a member of the Mountain View Golf Club and later at Cresta Verde Golf Course. One of her favorite golf groups were all in their eighties. She and Jack visited every state and golfed in most. She was a member of the Boat and Ski Club where she enjoyed many camping trips with friends. Jack and her family would like to extend a special thank you to Estancia Del Sol and their staff for the care and loving kindness shown to Elaine. Elaine's memorial service will be held on August 11, 2023, 2:00 pm at Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 E. 6th St Corona, CA 92879 reception to follow. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Friday 8/11, 2:00 pm