Maxine Pestcoe (née Goldberg), 86, passed away peacefully on September 15 surrounded by the love of her family. Born February 7, 1940 in Philadelphia to the late Louis and Leah (née Roth) Goldberg, Maxine was a life-long Philadelphian.

Maxine met her future husband, David Pestcoe, at a dance at the Germantown Jewish Community Center in 1964. They married on February 28, 1965 and spent 61 wonderful years together. They raised three fine sons, Laurence (Abby), Mark (Mary) and Howard (Marla) of whom she was immensely proud. Maxine was a devoted grandmother to Ailey (Winton), Jared (Katie), Emma, Jack and Ava. Family was at the center of Maxine’s life. She shared an especially close bond with her sister, Judy, who predeceased her, and was also a loving aunt to her nieces and nephew, and their children.

Maxine and David enjoyed the simple routines of life together – spending time by the riverside in Bristol watching the boats go by, sitting in their backyard beneath the shade of their maple tree with Rosie and making their regular trips to Costco. Before streaming services brought movies into their home, they were regulars at the movie theater. And every so often, David could even be persuaded to accompany Maxine clothes shopping.

Maxine was stylish and vibrant, as always expressed through her clothes and jewelry. She and David enjoyed spending time with other couples, going out to dinners and diners. They particularly loved Outback Steakhouse and were always happy when members of the family would meet them there. Maxine never failed to order the coconut shrimp and a sweet potato with all the toppings.

Maxine graduated from Olney High School and went on to train as an X-ray technician, graduating at the top of her class. She built a 30-year career caring for others, including working at a nursing home and later at a City of Philadelphia health center. She stepped away from her career for six years while raising her three young sons before returning to her work helping those in need.

Maxine loved to travel and especially loved cruising, taking more than 20 cruises over the years. David accompanied her on about five of those voyages, while many others were adventures that she shared with friends. One of the highlights of her life was the trip she took to Israel with her sister.

She rarely went anywhere without taking pictures. Her love of photography extended to her involvement with Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, where she served as historian and documented the life of the synagogue and its community through her photographs. She was also an active member of Hadassah for many years.

Dogs held a special place in Maxine’s heart. Cleo and Casey, the family’s basset hounds, were beloved members of the Pestcoe household. After many years without a canine companion, Maxine welcomed Rosie, who became her cherished “fur baby.”

Maxine will be remembered for her devotion to David and their family, her caring nature, her vibrant sense of style, her love of travel and photography, and the love and kindness she extended to everyone around her.

Family and friends are invited to services on Tuesday, September 22 at 11:30 AM at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors Suburban North (310 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966) with burial following at Mount Jacob Cemetery (700 West Oak Lane, Glenolden, PA 19036).

Following services, family and friends are invited to observe Shiva at the home of Howard and Marla Pestcoe. On Wednesday, September 23, family and friends are invited to observe Shiva beginning at 3 PM at the home of Mark Pestcoe and Mary Coyle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Hadassah, www.hadassah.org.

May her memory be a blessing.