Lucretia “Lu” Jane Cregar

March 3, 1937 - June 18, 2021

LUCRETIA JANE CREGAR, 84, died from complications from surgery on June 18th, 2021, in Bloomington, IN. with family by her side. She was born March 3rd in 1937, near Cleveland, Ohio, the only child of Richard and Marguerite Stephens. Lu graduated from Lakewood High School in the class of 1955. Following graduation, she attended Rockford University and achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Early and Secondary Education. After graduation, she attended Western Case Reserve to obtain her Masters in Secondary Education.

She married James M. Cregar and they relocated to Ypsilanti, MI where Lu was a first and second grade teacher for over 35 years with the Ypsilanti Public School System. She was active in the Union and was the MEA President for her District as well. LU was awarded Teacher of the Year for Michigan at the end of her long and impactful career. Jim and Lu celebrated over 50 years of marriage before the passing of James in 2013. She remarried and survived her second husband Tom Persing who she loved very much.

Lucretia was a loyal member of the Women’s Democratic Caucus and the Indiana University Club, where she served as president too. Lucretia was incredibly active in ALL elections up until the end of her life! Politics was her passion and she actively did her civic duty as a volunteer with running the polls and voting at the university for several years. Lu was famous for helping those in need and mentored and sheltered many souls and welcomed them into her home.

Surviving Lucretia are her daughters: Deborah Jane Frey and Diana Lucretia Cregar; granddaughters: Erin Lucretia (Ryan) Luppo and Whitney Danielle (Paul) Breen, and grandson Hayden James Charles Frey. Lu also was survived by 2 great grandchildren: Charlotte Ellouesse Breen and John Gunnar Breen. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Indiana University Club in the Fall (Oct 2, 2021 with details to follow later). Those who wish to remember Lucretia in a special way can send donations to the Women’s Democratic Caucus in lieu of flowers.

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I met Lu in in the mid-1990s after she and Jim retired and moved to Bloomington. Lu answered an ad for people to serve on the Board of Directors of SeniorCyberNet, which I was just getting started. She was an accomplished community leader and became an important part of that organization as both an advisor and gifted teacher. After my husband died, she introduced me to political work in the Women's Democratic Caucus and we shared many delightful hours working on campaigns, taking Emily's List training, and fundraising. I watched in awe as she took web design classes at Indiana University and started a business as a web designer. She soon became a central force within the Indiana University Club, helping to revive and energize that organization. She was interested in and adept at so many things and her infectious enthusiasm meant that as her friend you were bound to enter into new pursuits. She had a strong artistic talent and I soon found myself taking basket weaving lessons along with her. Lu was an extraordinary hostess and was always entertaining in her lovely home on Lake Monroe, where she made you feel relaxed, filled you up with delicious food, and lively conversations on a wide range of topics were enjoyed by all. An adept photographer, she served as our wedding photographer. Lu loved to travel and was a very agreeable travel companion. She was fascinated by people, nature and culture, exploring the world with her was such a treat. She was the kind of friend who was always there for you and somehow knew exactly what you needed. A rare thing indeed! She will long be remembered by those of us who ware fortunate enough to know and love her.

My sympathy to Lu’s family. Having been involved with Lu during our Teaching and Union days, I recall her endless energy and sharp assessment of any situation. We also shared an interest in politics, though Lu’s was more intense than mine. I remember having Debbie in class. Lu was always trying to keep one step ahead of both girls as well as being supportive of the interests of both. My husband Tom and I visited Lu and Jim at Lake Monroe. May we all live such a full and active life. She will be missed. Carol Cramer

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.