Millie Crespin-Croegaert honored for supporting veterans

The Quad Cities Community Foundation exists to amplify the generosity of donors. Those who work with the Community Foundation to establish endowments and other funds can make significant contributions to the causes close to them and create a legacy of giving.

Now, Mildred “Millie” Crespin-Croegaert has been posthumously honored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) for her dedication and support of PVA’s mission to improve the quality of life for veterans and all people living with spinal cord injury and disease.

“This is a fitting tribute for an amazing individual like Millie,” said Anne Calder, Community Foundation vice president of development. “She believed deeply in this cause, and her planned giving has made a real difference for these veterans. We are honored to celebrate her and her generosity.”

Millie was born in 1918, the daughter of Charles and Mae (McCabe) Croegaert. After more than 30 years in civil service, she retired and was very active as a community volunteer. Millie participated in AARP Tax Aide program for 17 years, supported Aid to Medicare Problems, In Touch Day Care, the Illini Hospital, and many other organizations. Every Christmas, she wrapped as many as 145 gifts for local nursing homes.

“I met Millie later in life, and I knew her to be an incredibly compassionate, curious, and giving person,” said Tony Singh, managing director at Merrill Lynch and Millie’s financial advisor. “She told me she had a humble upbringing, but it instilled in her a deep generosity. She was laid back and had a great sense of humor.”

Millie belonged to St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Geneseo; she was a former member of the East Moline Woman’s Club and its sub-divisions and was known as the joke teller in the Geneseo Kitchen Band.

“I think she would blush to know about this award,” laughed Singh. “She never sought recognition, but she certainly deserves it. She created a legacy we should all aspire to.”

In 2011, Millie established a fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation to support twenty charities after her lifetime, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Funded by her estate after she passed away in 2014, the Mildred Crespin-Croegaert Fund has now provided ten years of support totaling over $325,000 to these charities. In 2025, the remainder of the fund will be distributed to her designated charities.

“Millie lived a full life,” said Calder. “And she left an incredible legacy that has changed lives in the community she cared for.”

If you would like to learn more about creating a legacy of generosity and supporting the causes closest to you, contact Anne Calder (annecalder@qccommunityfoundation.org) at (563) 326-2840.