Dorthea Crespi

HERRIN - Dorthea Crespi, 94, of Herrin, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the Villas of Holly Brook in Carterville, with her daughter by her side.

Dorthea worked at Boren's IGA for 16 years as the bakery manager. She also served many years on numerous committees and fundraisers. She was the resident and served on the Board of Directors of Herrin Pantry for 15 years. She was also the president of Local 1130 UFCW.

She was born on July 17, 1931, in Herrin, she was the daughter of Ruth A. (Atherton) and Frank Aiman.

Dorthea was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin.

She was united in marriage to Amiel "Bullet" Crespi on Oct. 3, 1953, in Herrin. He preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Crespi of Belleville; sister-in-law, Geraldine Gore of Portage, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Mark Gore of Portage, Indiana, Mel Gore of Portage, Indiana, Michael Gore of Texas, and Bobbi Fife of Leland, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Rites of Christian Burial were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, with Mark D. Reyling officiating. Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. in the gathering space of the church. Burial was in San Carlo Catholic Cemetery in Herrin.

Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 316 W. Monroe St., Herrin, IL 62948; or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.

The family would like to thank all the employees and residents of Holly Brook for letting them become part of their family, as they became part of their family. Also, special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois for their care and support.

Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, share a life story or sign the memorial guest register, visit www.meredithwaddell.com.