Muriel Arvidson

Muriel Arvidson (Gray), 102, of Bethpage, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 16, 2026. Muriel was born on September 9, 1923, in Brooklyn to the late Nicholas and Grace Gray, and grew up alongside her younger sister, the late Jean (Mulholland).

She was married to the late William “Bill” Arvidson for over 41 years, and together they raised three children: Richard, the late Robert “Bobby,” and Mary Ellen Kwiecinski. She was the proud grandmother of Christopher, Cody, Meaghan, James, Beth, Lauren, William, and Andrew. Muriel was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, Marcelina, Carolina, Casey, Annie, William “Billy,” Sarah, Brady, Logan, Charles “Charlie,” Abigail, Talon, Evangeline “Evie,” and Xavier as well as one great-great-granddaughter, Illyana.

Family was at the center of Muriel’s life. In addition to her immediate family, she cherished her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became like family. Muriel also valued faith and country. During World War II, she contributed to the war effort by volunteering her time while her husband served in Europe for two years. In the years after the war ended, she and Bill moved from the Bronx to Hicksville, NY, where they lived just around the block from her sister and her family. The two families shared an exceptionally close bond, raising their children side by side and vacationing together every year at Lake Winnipesaukee - a tradition that has lived on through three more generations.

Muriel was a devoted wife and mother, and for many years worked as a waitress at The Sweet Shop in Hicksville while also a dedicated member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She remained active throughout her life, prioritizing daily walks well into her 90s.

After being widowed at the age of 62, Muriel demonstrated remarkable strength and independence. She built a full and meaningful next chapter of her life, centering it on her faith and her growing family. She treasured weekly sleepovers with her granddaughters, Beth and Lauren, and generously devoted her time as a volunteer at the Outreach Office at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. She was also committed to her weekly prayer group, was an avid reader, and loved the theater.

Muriel will be remembered for her positivity, candor, humor, and sharp memory. She had a gift for making others feel loved and seen, and her kindness and selflessness left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Her legacy of love and resilience will live on through her family and in all those lucky enough to know her.

“And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

— Irish Proverb

Visitation will be held at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801,on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, 129 S Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:15 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Cemetery of the Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590.