Shirley D. Gravel

BETHLEHEM- Shirley Diane (Miklinevicus) Gravel, 77, passed away on October 16, 2025 in Bethlehem, CT. She was born to Mary Elizabeth Tomkus and Edmond Louis Miklinevicus in Waterbury, CT and grew up at Lake Winnemaug in Watertown. Shirley led a very happy, active life filled with adventures, family and friends.

Shirley married Albert J. Gravel Jr. As they started their life together, they moved to California and Al joined the U.S. Air Force at Vandenberg AFB. They had three children together. Mark, Mary-Ellen and Gregory were their pride and joy.

Shirley was preceded in death by her friend and ex-husband, Albert, her parents Mary and Edmond and her sister, Marion Bugnacki.

Shirley loved her three children and their families beyond measure and was so very proud of each of them for their military service, educational achievements, work accomplishments and how special they are! Mark Gravel and his wife Laura, Mary-Ellen Gravel Cavanaugh, Gregory Gravel and his wife Lisa.

Nana Shirley was always boasting with pride telling everyone about her grandchildren. Michael Cavanaugh for his big heart, his wisdom, their conversations and for his bravery to leave home to experience living on his own; Riley Gravel for his accomplishments with baseball and for starting his new career after college; Kaylee Gravel for her extraordinary smile, kindness and her amazing athletic abilities; Samuel Gravel for his charisma and ability to make her feel so special while always joking with her and making her laugh and smile; Lyndsey Gravel for her gentle, kind spirit, her creativity and artistic abilities; and Mary-Grace Cavanaugh for her sweet and kind spirit, her athleticism and her academic achievements.

Living in Newtown with her children, Shirley worked at The Children’s Adventure Center in Sandy Hook and attended college to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern CT State University. In her retirement, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking Lithuanian food like pierogies, going to Sherwood Island, reading, thrift store shopping, outings to Jimmies at Savin Rock, day trips to Vermont & Massachusetts, gallivanting with her best friend Mary-Etta Abromaitis and very special cousin, Sue Marino.

Shirley also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws, for whom she cared deeply for.

Shirley’s wishes were for her immediate family to have a private celebration of her life. There will be no calling hours or funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest making a donation to The Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. Casey-O’Neill Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 742 Main Street, Oakville, CT has been honored to care for Ms. Shirley Gravel and her family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page, please go to our Sympathy Store at www.caseyfunerals.com.