Donor Stories

A sense of community

The Henry and Francine Ducat Fund

Francine was born in Seraing, Belgium and later moved to Leige, Belgium with her family. She attended the University of Liege during the war and met her future husband, Wisconsin native Henry Ducat, while he was stationed there. Francine moved to the United States in 1946 at the age of 18, married Henry and continued to live their lives in Milwaukee until their deaths.

Francine and Henry led a simple life, and one of the things that mattered most in their lives was their parish, Gesu, and its parish community. When she wasn't working, Francine enjoyed spending the day downtown, but she always started the day off with mass at Gesu, where she really felt most comfortable.

During her lifetime, Francine was always helping others. She especially liked the kind of help Gesu's meal program provided to those in need within the community. In establishing a donor designated fund with The Catholic Community Foundation, Francine knew that they would be able to continue doing what they cared most about, helping others in need.

Although Henry and Francine were very private people, by establishing the Henry and Francine Ducat Fund within The Catholic Community Foundation, they let others know that they could continue giving to and supporting the community they cared most about even after their deaths.