Leeds – Anne M Gravel, 100, of Leeds, Maine, passed away on Sunday August 19, 2018, at home with her family by her side. She was born in Van Buren, Maine on February 23, 1918, a daughter of the late Willie and Marie (Couturier) Bell. The family moved to the Lewiston-Auburn area when she was only 5 years old and she lived here for the rest of her life. In October of 1936, she married the love of her life, Hector Gravel. Together they worked and raised their young family of 9 children in Lewiston. She was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish for many years before it consolidated with all the parishes of Lewiston to become Prince of Peace Parish. Quilting, knitting, reading, watching mystery shows and camping are all things which brought her much joy in her life. Most of all though, what brought her true happiness was the precious time she spent with her very large family. She was a very generous and modest lady who made and donated over 380 quilts for The Barbara Bush Camp Sunshine and knitted mittens and hats that went to a large number of schools as far away as Virginia, never once wanting or seeking recognition for her generosity.
Anne is survived by 5 of her children: Hector Gravel Jr. and wife Monique of Lewiston, Prudence Beaudoin and husband Paul of Sabattus, James Gravel and wife Shelley of Florida, Diane Beaulieu and husband Denis of Lewiston, Anne Johnson and husband Greg of Leeds, 28 Grandchildren, 46 Great-Grandchildren, 36 Great-Great-Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great-Great Grandchildren with 2 more expected, a sister: Laurette Sharby of Massachusetts. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her Husband Hector Gravel Sr. in 1969, 3 daughters: Cecile, Dolores, and Helen, 1 son: Richard, 3 brothers: Bobby, Phillipe and Andre who died in The Korean War.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and Dr. Shannon Deschaines for the loving care they gave their mother during her last years.
You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Anne’s guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Fortin Group Funeral Home in Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul in Lewiston on Wednesday at 1:00 PM in the Upper Church. Committal Services will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston. A Service of The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services,217 Turner St., Auburn, Maine 04210. 783-8545
