Andrea Francis (Bailey) Gravelle, age 79, a resident of Tewksbury for over fifty years, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024. She was the widow of the late Robert Michael Gravelle, who passed away in 2020 after fifty years of marriage.
She was born in Medford, MA on July 17, 1945, the daughter of the late Andrew F. Bailey and the late Phyllis E. (Gillen) Bailey. She spent many years residing in Medford, where she attended local schools and graduated from Medford High School. Later, she moved to Tewksbury to raise her family.
Andrea worked for over 20 years as a code and edit clerk at the IRS before retiring. She was an avid reader and found peace in bird watching and protecting the bird food from the squirrels. She also enjoyed feeding the wild rabbits that would often visit her. In her younger years, Andrea loved crocheting and spending time at their vacation home in South Royalton, VT, where she particularly enjoyed admiring the fall foliage. More recently, she enjoyed spending time at home with her cat, Whiskers, who had her well trained for treats and belly rubs.
Andrea is survived by her two children, Kerry Lekas and her husband, Daniel of Londonderry, NH, and Robert L. Gravelle and his wife, Katrina of Goffstown, NH; her beloved grandchildren, William Lekas and his wife, Meagan, Emily Lekas, Nicholas Lekas and his partner Arryenne, and Lydia Lekas; and her great grandchildren, Martin, Rylee, Theodore, Julian, Eloise, Elliot, Declan, and Calvin. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Ann Rand of South Royalton, VT; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, the late Dr. Philip Bailey, and the late Margaret Bryant; her sister-in-law, the late Alice DePari and her brother-in-law, the late Neal Rand.
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 3-7 p.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday morning, you are welcome to gather at the funeral home between 10:30-10:45 a.m. for her funeral service in the funeral home at 11 a.m.; procession will follow to St. Mary Cemetery for burial with her husband. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite local animal shelter.