MAGGIE POPKIN
February 16, 2002 – November 18, 2019
Maggie Popkin, age 17, died tragically on November 18, 2019 after battling brain cancer. A lifelong resident of Doylestown, Pa., she was a student at George School in Newtown, Pa., where she would have been a high school senior.
From an early age, Maggie was an enthusiastic and fearless performer—at home, at school and wherever she could find a willing audience. Maggie fell in love with musical theater at age two, and, at every Broadway show, couldn’t wait to run to the stage door to meet the actors and ask them questions.
Every Saturday morning for years, she practiced singing under the care of musical instructors and friends Bob Egan and Michael Traupman of New Hope. A little more than a month ago, Maggie sang for the last time in public, bringing down the house at Bowman’s Tavern with a performance of “Second Hand White Baby Grand”.
Maggie was fascinated with medicine and decided, at age 11, that one day she would become a neuro-ophthalmologist to help people with visual problems related to the nervous system. She read the classic medical text, “Gray’s Anatomy” cover to cover, in the 6th Grade. A precocious and mischievous third child, Maggie could always light up a room with a hilarious impression of a relative, or a song-and-dance routine that showed no fear. For her age, she was also a strong advocate for social justice and progressive values, and would not tolerate racism, sexism or intolerance.
Her many loves included her friends and family; her boyfriend, Cooper; being a boarding student at George School and acting in plays; her dogs, especially Dottie and Ghillie; Santa Fe; the Oregon Coast; birding and nature walks; working at Vintage Alley in Doylestown; cooking with her sister Emma; listening to her brother Sam play guitar and piano; speaking French, Russian, Latin and Hebrew; living with a host family in Russia in 8th Grade, and celebrating her mixed Quaker and Jewish roots. After Maggie was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, she impressed her doctors with her knowledge of medicine and honest approach to her own diagnosis. She developed a special bond with her neuro-oncologist, Dr. Jean Belasco, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). As a testament to her courage and caring for others, Maggie raised $15,000 for pediatric brain cancer research this year alone. She walked in CHOP’s “Parkway Run & Walk” fundraiser in Philadelphia in September, part of a group of committed cancer survivors, patients and families who raised $1.5 million to fund breakthrough pediatric cancer research and care at CHOP.
Maggie will be remembered for her sheer joy of life, caring nature, raucous humor, fierce loyalty to her family and friends, and her infectious optimism. She will be loved and missed forever.
Maggie is survived by her parents Amy and Andy Popkin and her brother Sam and sister Emma and Lily Arnell; her grandmother Sharen Popkin and grandparents Lynn and Shelley Taylor; and her cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives and close friends.
A private family burial will be held in Doylestown Cemetery. A memorial service honoring Maggie’s life will be held at George School’s Meetinghouse on Sunday December 8th at 1:00 PM, followed by a gathering with refreshments in the Library. George School is located at 1690 Newtown Langhorne Road, Newtown, PA, 18940.
Shiva, the period of mourning will be held at the Popkin residence in Doylestown this Saturday 5 pm – 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia:
CHOP Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178
or online at www.chop.edu/pages/pediatric-brain-tumor-research
***Please make sure to write “Designate this donation to Brain Tumor Research in memory of Maggie Popkin”
Maggie was one of a kind: thoughtful, brilliant, funny, generous, and deeply reflective. It was such a gift knowing her. The world is a better place for her having been in it, though my heart is broken that she had so little time. Rest in peace, Maggie. You are loved still, and always.
Our heart felt condolences to Maggie’s whole family. We have shared sleepless nights anticipating this sad moment. We cheer her courage and her quest for life, which is an inspiration to us all. We send our love and prayers.
So sad. We are devastated by this tragedy, and send our love to the entire family. MeraLee Goldman and Jay Canel
We are just devastated with this news!! Maggie will forever be the wide eyed, infectious smile, full of life little girl in our memories!! She brightened the room when she entered it! David always looked forward to her visits to the store, remarking how absolutely charming and engaging she was ever time she came in!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time!! Words can not describe how sorry we are!!
Tracey and David Burschlag
Sending our condolences to all of the family. Although we never met Maggie, we know she was a very special girl. We are so sorry for your loss.
Marsha and Jeff Levine (distant cousins)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Maggie, my best friend Danielle Picard-Sheehan spoke so highly of her. I know she was loved at George School and will be dearly missed. May your wonderful memories of your special girl fill your hearts forever! With deepest sympathy, Terry Weyler
Maggie always kept smile and could light a room with her smile. I will miss my girl she will always have special place in my heart. I love you and miss rest in peace my maggie.
Maggie was always kind and cheerful, always bringing joy and laughter to us. All of the wonderful memories of her will remain with us forever. We love her so much.
The Chiang family
Sending you all much love and light for your sweet broken hearts.
Blessings to your whole extended family at this very tender sacred time.
A deep bow to Maggie and her accomplished well spent time here on Earth.
I send you a huge- hug and will be in touch.
Jane Freedman
Sending you all much love and light for your sweet broken hearts.
Blessings to your whole extended family at this very tender sacred time.
A deep bow to Maggie and her accomplished well spent time here on Earth.
I send you a huge- hug and will be in touch.
Maggie was a bright and passionate young woman. We send our love and support at this difficult time to her parents, Andy and Amy, and siblings, Emma and Sam. With deepest sympathies,
Polly Lodge and Dick O’Hern, Tommy and Ramzi Loddge-Yanez
Maggie’s spirit will continue to be present in all the lives she touched. She was truly a gift to everyone who knew her. I will remember her sweet yet strong nature, her musical and acting talents, her beautiful smile, and gentle humor. Her light will shine forever; she is now the star she was meant to be — illuminating all of us.
Love,
Mo
We are all so very sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. Holding you and your family in our prayers.
My sincerest loving thoughts to all in the passing of this young talented and positive active life. She gave it her all and will not be forgotten in the hearts of those she touched. Her value will last forever.
Gail West
♥️
Long time Friend of
Shelley and Lynn Taylor
Our hearts are broken. We moved here, and my daughter was finding her way in a new environment. She met magnificent Maggie and found a beautiful and special friend. Maggie was the bright light of smarts and love we all need. She will always be that cool kid that is abundantly fun and genius, leaving a legacy of great love.
There are over 120 different brain tumors, Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4 (GBM4) is the worst. My wife Virginia Wivell Ranck fought her sub-cortex lesion for nearly two years pulling all stops to find a cure, beat that tumor with surgery, Temodar, radiation, and immunotherapy, only to have a 2nd tumor of different DNA to form on her brainstem, with no time to find a cure for that one. Keep up the fight to find answers!
My heart aches for all the Popkins and all who loved Maggie
With my love and condolences
Deborah Spitalnik
To My Most Favorite Loving Family….
How this can happen to such angels is beyond my grasp….all I know is that my son Woody adored his best friend Sam and your amazing family for so many years…I am certain your blessed , talented, and courageous daughter lived knowing how much she was loved. I am now so sorry for your inestimable loss. She was a star…look upward and there she will shine …. so much love to you all from all the Griffiths…XOXO
Sending my love to you all at this incredibly difficult time. I had only met Maggie when she was little on a visit to Martha’s Vineyard, reading all the accomplishments she had in her brief life blew me away. I really am at a loss for words. Big hugs to you all.
I am in shock hearing this news. Sending my condolences to the entire Popkin family. I never got to meet Maggie at GS as a coach but she obviously was a very special young lady.
Maggie was a caring young woman and accomplished a lot in her short life. Those she touched will remember her always. She will be missed.