Michele Gradel, 62, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, who meant everything to her, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michele's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Marc Gradel, with whom she shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. Together, Marc and Michele built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure and countless memories.

She was a loving mother to Jake (Nicole) Gradel, Ryan (Tiffany) Gradel, and Amber (Ryan) Leach, and a proud grandmother to her seven grandchildren, Mason, Owen, Eva, Liv, Jett, Hayslee and Anderson. Michele treasured every moment with her children and grandchildren and took great pride in watching her family grow. Her love, laughter and presence will remain a lasting part of their lives.

Michele is survived by her father, Mitch Tonoff; her brother, Richard Tonoff; and her mother-in-law, Beatrice Gradel, along with her extended family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Tonoff; her father-in-law, John Gradel Sr.; and other beloved family and friends, including her brown lab, Lily.

Beyond her family, Michele had a wonderful sense of adventure and a love for travel. She especially cherished time spent in St. Lucia, Africa, on barefoot cruises, and in the Florida Keys, one of her favorite places. For Michele, travel was about creating memories with the people she loved, enjoying a beautiful sunset and sharing a cocktail along the way.

She also had a deep love for sports and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the people she loved. She was there for her boys under the Friday night lights and proudly supported her daughter at her cheer events. As a grandmother, she continued that tradition, cheering from the sidelines at countless soccer matches, baseball games, swim meets, gymnastics meets and flag football games. She wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. A proud Michigan Wolverines fan, Michele also loved cheering on her team every Saturday in the fall. Go Blue!

Family and friends may visit, Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., Oregon, Ohio, 43616 on Sunday, September 13, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held int he funeral home on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Michele will be deeply missed and forever celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing her.