Janet E. Cleaver - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Janet E. Cleaver

August 22, 1950 - November 6, 2023

Janet E. Cleaver, age 73, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023.

Born in Wilmington, DE on August 22, 1950, she was a daughter of the late Dominick F. and Gertrude E. (Wilkinson) Vavala. Janet was a graduate of Christiana High School with the class of 1968. She worked as a volunteer coordinator at the University of Delaware Concessions with Aramark Services.

In her spare time, Janet enjoyed going fishing or bowling. She could often be found relaxing with a good book or admiring her Koi Pond. When her children were growing up, Janet was quite involved in all of their extracurricular and school activities. She spent countless hours volunteering to assist their teams. Above all, Janet cherished making memories at family gatherings and vacations, and doting on her two Doodles.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Dunlap. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Charles L. Cleaver; siblings, Dominick Vavala and Marie Stonebraker; children, Matthew Cleaver (Joanne) and Michael Cleaver (Kalyn); and grandchildren, William Cleaver, Charlotte Cleaver, Colson Cleaver, and Bryson Cleaver.

All services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet’s memory, on behalf of her grandson, Colson, to the Spina Bifida Association of the Delaware Valley, 6935 Airport Highway Lane, Office 1, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 or online by clicking here.

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7 Condolences for Janet E. Cleaver

  • Janet will be dearly missed by me and Kylee. She was part of our extended family and treated us like we were her own. I will miss traveling most with her and her family. She has touched many lives in many special ways. May she rest peacefully and watch over all of her family and friends.

  • Charles, family & doodles. Our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved wife , mother & doodle mommy May she Rest In Peace . Sincerely Glenn & Sharon .

  • So sorry to hear, Janet babysat me and my brother every Friday night while my parents went bowling, she was so nice and fun, she was the first teenager I knew and I was in awe of her, remember her going to her prom and thought she looked like a princess. Spent alot of time at the Vavala home during my childhood and will always remember thr teenage Janet. Condolences to her family, sounds like she was a great wife, Mom and Grandmom!

  • Sorry for your lost my thoughts are with you. She will be missed.

  • I never met your mother, but it sounds like she was a wonderful person…. My sincere condolences on this loss to both of you and your little boys.

  • Charlie, Matt, Mike,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My memories of Janet are her love for her children and an advocate for all children. Those who were lucky to know her and be her friend benefited from her kindness.

  • Sorry for your loss Aunt Marie. Wish I got to know her more she sounds like a great person. Call me anytime you guys are in my thoughts luv ya Cinny Stonebraker❤️