In loving memory of Valerie Lee Cleaver - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Valerie Lee Molder Cleaver died peacefully on March 10, 2023 at home with her husband of 40 years, Tom, by her side. Valerie was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 13, 1945, the only daughter of Edmund Lee and Frances Irene Dietor Molder. She graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory School and attended the University of Maryland. Valerie lived in Maryland and Delaware until 2001, where she had a successful career working for Eutaw Savings Bank, First National Bank of Maryland, and as a Vice President for Equitable Bank. After retiring from corporate life, Valerie was able to realize a lifelong dream of working with animals at a veterinary hospital. Later, she felt called to work with people preparing for end of life and their families at Hospice of Queen Anne’s. Her leisure time was usually spent with Tom, other family members, and friends. Valerie enjoyed being near the water (fishing, boating, crabbing, beach time), attending and volunteering at church, and her dogs. Valerie was also a fabulous cook, which she learned from her mother, Fran, and loved entertaining family and friends – the more the merrier she would say.

Valerie and Tom moved to Southwest Florida in 2001 where family, friends, water, church, and her dogs remained Valerie’s biggest sources of enjoyment. She began coping with dementia in 2016, and moved with Tom to Shell Point Retirement Community in 2017. Valerie continued to lead an active life. She began taking art lessons, painting with watercolor, and raising butterflies. She served as a hospice patient volunteer, participated in church activities, attended musical performances, and spent time with friends.

Val was an amazing daughter, mother, wife, and friend. She had a special way about her that those who crossed paths with Val experienced. Her ability to relate to others endeared her to so many. She has been described as easy to love, always happy, vibrant, funny, and having a passion for life. It was always so clear how much Val cared about everyone in her life. This was her special gift to everyone she loved.

Valerie is survived by her husband, Thomas W. Cleaver; and three children, Whitney Wilson (Andy), Clay Coard (Leah), and Amy Holden (Gary). She loved being a grandmother to Brady Wilson, Spencer Wilson, Ali Wilson, Laurel Coard, Blake Coard, Lila Coard, and Chad Holden.

Valerie’s family is deeply grateful for the kindness and help of friends, Hope Hospice, and Shell Point Home Care in recent months.

Friends are invited to gather at Valerie’s memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at Peace Lutheran Church, 15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society; baldwincremation.com.

Those who wish to honor Valerie can consider a donation to Shell Point’s Butterfly Habitat, or simply think of Val the next time you see a butterfly. (Checks can be payable to The Legacy At Shell Point, mailed to 15010 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908, and have a notation that they are for the Butterfly Habitat in memory of Valerie Cleaver).