YARMOUTH — Muriel Ann “Mickey” Cleaves, 77, died April 17 after a brief battle with cancer.  

Born in Bath, on Dec. 8, 1933, to Percy and Marguerite (Place) Ayer, she attended local schools and graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1952.

She became a CPA and partner with her longtime friend and mentor, Charlotte Albright, at Albright’s Accounting in Yarmouth.

Albright, who was bound to a wheelchair, was cared for by Cleaves for more than 30 years after the death of her husband, Cecile. Cleaves gave of herself unselfishly and felt very blessed by this opportunity.

Many of Mickey’s clients regarded her as much more than the woman who did their taxes; they looked to her for guidance, strength, faith, advice and love.

In her free time she enjoyed collecting coins, reading and traveling, but she spent most of her time giving of herself and her knowledge and resources anonymously to others.

She took many wonderful trips with friends and family to the cottages in Small Point, and she treasured her special group of friends, the Bartlett Circle Group.

A dedicated, active member and leader in the First Baptist Church in Yarmouth, her enduring faith brought her amazing peace and acceptance of all people and all things.

Her family would like to express gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Brenda and Missy Fitts, Kristina and many other friends.  

She was predeceased by a brother, Percy Robert Ayer, in 1990, and friend, Charlotte Albright, in 1998.

Survivors include her brother, Raymond H. Ayer and wife Dot of Etna; several nieces and nephews; cousins; longtime friends, Herbie Brewer and son Daniel, Sandra Hodgdon, and Janet Reynolds; and extended family.

A service to celebrate her life was held last weekend at the First Baptist Church in Yarmouth.

Arrangements are by Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth.

Please visit lindquistfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 346 Main St., Yarmouth, ME 04097 or to the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011-2209.