Muriel (Smith) Cleaver

On December 15, 2017, Muriel Agnes Cleaver (nee Smith) peacefully passed away at her home at Douglas Campbell Lodge in Portage la Prairie at the age of 85. Muriel was born on Aug 9, 1932 at home in the Edwin district. Muriel was predeceased by her husband Murray, infant daughter Barbara Ann, son Kimberley, grandson Lee Perchak and brother Colin. Left to cherish her memory are her children Beverly (Raymond) Perchak, Linda (Chuck) Meyer and Cameron (Lisa) Cleaver. Grandchildren Lisa (Shane)Schweda, Sidney Perchak, Adam Cleaver, Justin(Alicia) Cleaver, Spencer ( Jamal) Cleaver, Trem Cleaver and Quincy Cleaver. Great grandchildren, Colton Schweda, Kinley Cleaver, Kaylee Cleaver, Madeline Cleaver, sisters Florence Cleaver, Anne Dube, and Norma (Harold) Jonasson, and sister-in law Sheila Smith. 

Muriel attended Hartford school travelling back and forth by horse and buggy.  Muriel became an avid baseball player and enjoyed being the pitcher. Muriel married Murray Cleaver on June 28, 1952 staying married for 63 years.

For many years they lived on the farm in the Poplar Bluff district. Muriel spent most of her career in the service industry. Muriel was an entrepreneur. She made homemade donuts and coffee to sell to the local snowmobile visitors. Eventually they purchased the Edwin General Store. From there they purchased the pool hall in MacGregor, which they renovated to become “Cleaver’s Coffee Shop”. Muriel was able to utilize her baking and cooking talents providing home cooked meals and her famous butter tarts. Muriel also cooked turkeys for the annual Fall Supper and worked in the kitchen at Thresherman’s  Reunion. 

During their spare time Muriel and Murray enjoyed fishing at Lake of the Prairie, dancing and spending time with family. Muriel was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time outside in the yard watching the grandchildren playing in home made waterslides and barrels of water. Muriel enjoyed listening to fiddle music, playing crib, going for walks, attending auction sales and reading magazines. Mom will always be remembered for her wonderful cooking, and the care and love she had for her family.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Douglas Campbell Lodge for the care and support they provided to mom during her stay.

                          "To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die"                                                  :anonymous

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