The family of Marilyn J. Cleaves wish to announce the passing on November 8th, 2025 at Mountain Lea Lodge in Bridgetown. She was 97 years young.

Born in Bear River on January 19th 1928, she was the daughter of Della and Roscoe Alcorn.

She spent her early years on the family farm where she helped with haying, picking wild strawberries and tending to the work horses in addition to indoor chores.

As a teenager she was employed at the General Store in Bear River taking over for the owner in his sudden absence.

After moving to Annapolis Royal, she worked at the Wartime Prices and Trade Board Office issuing ration coupon books, as well as permits. She issued her husband Harold’s father a permit for his door-to-door meat truck business.

She worked for the Annapolis Valley Regional Library for 26 years, retiring in 1991.

A lifelong learner, at the age of 44 she graduated from the Regional Boards typing course and at the age of 59 the Introduction to Computers course.

After Harolds first heart attack, she saw the need to get her drivers license and achieved this in her 50’s.

Over the years, Marilyn received many awards in recognition of her volunteerism. The Heart and Stroke canvasser, volunteer gardener at Upper Clements Park, and the Girl Guides of Canada.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Annapolis Royal and served as a Sunday School Teacher and also a superintendent at the Sunday school for 20 years. She sang in the church choir and was a member of the Ladies Apple Blossom Club. She also held a Dominion Life membership.

Marilyn was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

She was also a talented seamstress, and sewed many dresses for her three daughters.

Marilyn enjoyed family camping trips with the Rushton Family. Although the trip around the Cabot Trail was a wet and soggy one and she had a hard time to keep the fire going to cook the beans and wieners.

Her “Happy Place” was at the cottage at Sandy Bottom Lake where she used to make toast over the wood stove for the grandchildren. Many family reunions were hosted there also.

Mom started the tradition of having Thanksgiving dinners at the lake and they continue to this day.

She was predeceased by her husband Harold, her oldest daughter, Barbara and her siblings Geneva and Leonard. She is survived by her daughters, Patty (Brian) Smith, Carol (Arthur) Smith; grandchildren, Jeff, Jason (Kelly), Jennifer (Ryan), Emily (Chris); greatgrandchildren, Brandon, Mara, Nathan, and Alex Marilyn. She is also survived by her brother, Clyde.

Her family are very thankful to the staff of Mountain Lea Lodge for the kind and compassionate care shown to Mom during her time there.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home.

Please join her family to honor her memory at the First United Baptist Church in Annapolis Royal on November 22, 2025 at 2pm with Rev. Allen Myra officiating, accompanied by family friend, Rev. Dr. Stephen Hopper. Fellowship will be held in the church hall following the Service.

A private family burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lequille.

Donations in her memory may be made to the First Untied Baptist Church in Annapolis Royal or to the Historic Gardens also in Annapolis Royal.