Shirley A. O'Toole

Shirley A. O’Toole, age 89 of Grafton, ND, formerly of Crystal, ND, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025 at her home in Grafton.

Shirley Vavrovsky was born April 13, 1936 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Bert and Mary (Houska) Vavrovsky. She grew up and attended school in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School. She was united in marriage to Lawrence O’Toole on July 6, 1957 in Grafton, ND. The couple lived and farmed near Crystal, ND where they raised their 10 children. Lawrence passed away on October 6, 2009 and Shirley moved to Grafton. She moved into the Leisure Estates Apartments in 2015.

Shirley was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton, and a former member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Altar Society of Crystal. She was also a member of the Crystal American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed painting, playing the piano, camping and the winters spent with Lawrence in Arizona.

She is survived by her children: Connie (Lynn) Johnson, Grafton, ND; Lori O’Toole (Vicki Yamamoto), Port Orchard, WA; Michael (Jorie) O’Toole, O’Fallon, MO; Janet (David) Foerster, Grafton, ND; Nancy (Joel) Mueller, Dardenne Prairie, MO; Paul (Sherry) O’Toole, Crystal, ND; Mary (David) Hanson, Colorado Springs, CO; Diane (Dan) Johnson, Hoople, ND; and David (Brandy) O’Toole, Grand Forks, ND; 26 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Beverly Vavrovsky, Grand Forks, ND; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, son John O’Toole, and brothers: Herman and Leonard Vavrovsky.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:30 am at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery of Crystal. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Friendship of Grafton, 554 W 12th Street, Grafton, ND 58237 or the Pregnancy Help Center, 103 B Kensington Avenue, Park River, ND 58270.