Mae Blanche Cleaver

Age 99 years Toronto, Ontario

Deceased May 25th, 2026

Born in Toronto on May 12th, 1927, Mae went to school, worked, married, retired, and died in her beloved Toronto. The youngest child of Charles and Ethel Pyne, with 4 older siblings,

( Louisa Smart, Barry Pyne, Gladys Marlborough and George Pyne) she was doted on by one and all. Mae started working life at Consumers’ Gas Company in 1944 at age 17 and was very proud to work there for over 48 years, retiring in 1992 as a Customer Service representative. There she met the love of her life, Don Cleaver, who she married in 1966. Sadly, she lost her partner only 4 short years later. Her Bassett hound Bess was her companion following her loss.

Mae’s zest for life and fierce independent spirit were hallmarks of her character through all of her years. She was an intrepid traveller, who explored the world with great enthusiasm and curiosity, whether it be the Canadian Arctic or riding camels in Tunisia. She joined several hiking groups over the years, and made great friends as she trekked the Bruce Trail, the Appalachian trail, the El Camino trail, and countless others. In her 80s and 90s she volunteered at the Sunshine Club, where seniors met for a social activity - she was there “ to help the old folks” !!

She was “ Auntie Mae” to an incredible 165 nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Many of the nephews and great nephews thought she was pretty “cool” as she zipped around town in her yellow ‘67 Camaro. For many years she annually hosted family gatherings at her home at 19 Gibson Avenue after the Santa Claus Parade. The house was fit to burst with all of her siblings’ children and grandchildren, and friends. Ramsden Park’s winter ice rink was the place of many family skating parties, with Mae welcoming one and all for a hot meal afterwards. Mae wouldn’t hesitate to burst forth in song to entertain everyone,and she thoroughly enjoyed the theatrics. She always purchased her annual subscription to the Ed Mirvish theatre, and steadfastly went to every show to either enjoy it ( mostly) or critique it.

For all who knew her, there was no doubt Mae lived life to the fullest for all of her 99 years.

Mae’s family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the staff of Toronto Western Hospital and the Palliative Care unit of Toronto Grace Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

Happy trails, Aunt Mae, and toodles!