LEWISTON – Francoise C. Gravel, 75, of 10 Oak Park, Lewiston, died Monday, Feb. 19, at Central Maine Medical Center, after a long illness.

She was born in Lewiston on Dec. 9, 1931, the daughter of Conrad and Cecile Guertin Croteau. Educated locally, she was employed as a fancy stitcher by Knapp Shoe for many years, and also worked several other jobs as a leatherworker and seamstress.

A member of St. Joseph’s Parish, she enjoyed crafts, and was especially handy with a needle and thread. She was the widow of Noel A. Gravel, who passed away in 1981.

Survivors include two sons, Conrad, and fiancé, Linda Moss, of Columbus, Ohio and Daniel, and wife, Yvonne, of South Paris; five daughters, Diane Talon, and companion, Douglas Goodwin Jr., of North Turner, Linda, and husband, Walter Murch, of New Sharon, Elaine Ecker of Sabattus, Gail, and husband, John Carlson, of Wilton and Kim, and husband, David Karkos, of Greene; a sister, Charlotte Gagnon of Lancaster, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandsons.

She was predeceased by a sister, Gertrude Grivois; a brother, Gilbert Croteau; and a grandson, Daniel Gravel Jr.