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NORMA CLEVERLEY
Born: Jul 12, 1927
Date of Passing: Jun 21, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNORMA CLEVERLEY
The family of Norma Cleverley is sad but honoured to announce her peaceful passing in the wee hours of the first day of summer, June 21, 2025. As was true about our mom throughout her life, she was prepared for this event, and wrote much of her story well in advance. Most of what is written here is in her words.
Mom was born during the depression to Emily and William Abel. She lived on a farm in the Cameron District, 9 and a half miles north of Minnedosa. Mom was educated at Cameron School and Minnedosa Collegiate. She was always proud of her pioneer grandparents on both sides of her family. After graduation she taught on a permit at Flea Island and Macdonald Schools. On July 12, 1947, she married Fred Cleverley in Cameron Church, and together they shared 62 great years.
Fred and Norma lived in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Brandon, St. James and Marina del Ray Condo in St. Norbert. After Fred's passing in 2010, Norma lived at Sterling House and West Park Manor. Norma belonged to and was active in Deer Lodge United Church for 30 years. She was Brown Owl to the 109th Brownie Pack. She surprised everyone by returning to school in 1968, earning her permanent teaching certificate at the University of Manitoba. Norma substituted and taught in St. James and at St. John's Ravenscourt School. Eventually, Fred and Norma retired to enjoy "Take Courage", the family cottage at Falcon Lake. Norma and Fred travelled to Britain, Europe, Hawaii, across Canada and to the United States. They both loved travelling with friends.
Norma attended with pride all of her children's and grandchildren's graduations, weddings, sports and other activities. She even attended some of her great grandchildren's activities. Norma's greatest joy was found in making quilts and sweaters for family, playing bridge with life-long friends, picking blueberries and finding wild flowers, and of course, making onion pickles and Scotch eggs.
Mourning the loss of our matriarch are children, Brenda Wedlake (Ross), Debbie Bevan (Brian), Bill Cleverley, Chris Cleverley(Brenda), and Cathryn Cleverley, grandchildren Jeffrey Wedlake (Amanda, Caitlyn, Hannah), Heather Rempel (Al, Cole, Lily), Lee Hurton (Jason, Colin, Addison, Aubrey), Jennifer Bevan (Patrick Fortier, Julien, Ani, Benoit), Erin Smith (Paul, Lucy), Kelby Papp (Lucas, Cora, Isobel), Connor Cleverley (Kristen, Kendall), Christopher Radley (Leah, Taylor) and Tyler Radley (Marie).
The family wishes to thank the compassionate staff at West Park Manor, and specifically Daisy, for their care of Norma in her final years.
A private family gathering will be held this summer at Minnedosa Cemetery. Norma's wish was for any donations in her memory to be made to CancerCare for Children's Research and Programming.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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We extend our condolences to Brenda, Debbie, Bill, Chris and Cathy and their families. Though not relatives, "Uncle" Fred and "Auntie" Norma were such important to my family, particularly during the first years after we relocated to Winnipeg from Brandon. I have fond memories of times when our families got together at the Cleverley household on Kane in St. James. And the year that my wife Valerie and I, my parents and Fred and Norma all drove out together to Oak Bluff to go square dancing. We are blessed to have had such good friends. - Posted by: Patrick Falconer (Family Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
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As a child, I remember Norma as being the best Brown Owl - kind and caring, a wonderful role model. Our family lived across the street on Moorgate. I have many happy memories of growing up there, with the Cleverley family as neighbors. My condolences to the family. Carol MacKenzie (Bjornson) - Posted by: Carol MacKenzie (Former neighbor and friend) on: Jun 29, 2025
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I used to visit Winnipeg every August and had a great time. One of my favorite activities was having lunch with three young ladies in their 90s. How many other people could make that statement. I was fortunate enough to get to know Norma and Fred over many years. It was an honor and a pleasure. - Posted by: John Brown (Friend) on: Jun 29, 2025
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I was saddened to hear of Aunt Norma’s passing and yes the end of a generation. I have fond memories of growing up with the Cleverley clan. Christmas spent at grandma Dowsett’s together. Camping at Clear Lake. I can still smell the old canvas tent. Moving to Winnipeg and shopping at Eatons department store. (Yes with all of us kids in tow). Oh how Norma and my Mom Gwen loved the shoe sale. The many card games our parents played and the laughter. Yes to the BEST ONION PICKLES EVER. Sloppy Joes anyone? My favourite when sleeping over. Cottage life and the fun our parents had when visiting our family island. Oh the stories we could tell. I am sure our parents are in heaven together having fun. My condolences from our family to yours. You have all been blessed with a loving Mom, grandma and great grandma. You are in my prayers, Pat. - Posted by: Pat Dowsett Wilkins (Cousin) on: Jun 28, 2025