Maxine Kunitz Hirsch
1932 – 2024
Maxine Kunitz Hirsch, of Skillman and New Providence, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her children on September 10, 2024 at the age of 92.
The only child of Charles & Mary (Shimkin) Kunitz, Maxine was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 31,1932. She graduated from Midwood High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brooklyn College in 1954.
From a young age she spent countless hours devouring books, setting the stage for a lifetime of love of reading.
She was introduced to Stuart Hirsch in her senior year of college, and they were married after her graduation in June,1954. She moved to Stuart’s hometown of Plainfield, NJ and started her career as an Elementary School Teacher in Edison.
Maxine and Stuart had a long and loving 46 year marriage. Together, they built a life around their shared values of family, children, education/learning, and serving their community. Their two children, Chuck and Robin, became the centerpiece of the family. Maxine was actively involved in her children’s lives, serving as a regular volunteer in their schools, as the PTA President, as well as a substitute teacher. The family shared many interests including music, theater, family lakeside vacations, reading, and helping others in need.
Later Maxine earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Kean College and had a profound impact as a champion for her students and a valued member of the faculty at the Summit Middle School for many years until her retirement.
As a resident of New Providence for 44 years, she ran for public office and was elected to multiple terms on the Borough Council, serving as Councilwoman for 20 years. Maxine’s vision and leadership had a lasting impact on the town, including the transformation of the downtown area, quality of life upgrades and in–town affordable living for Seniors, and securing necessary expansion funding for the town library.
Perhaps her favorite role of all was as Grandma to her four grandchildren, Hannah, Lily, Sammy & Annie. She adored each one of them, and they always knew that her heart and home was a safe space for them to land and feel cherished.
Maxine was predeceased by her husband, Stuart, her parents, Mary and Charlie Kunitz, her brother-in-law, Syman Hirsch and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Friedman, her son, Chuck Hirsch (Carol), her sister-in-law, Anita Hirsch, and her grandchildren, Hannah Friedman, Lily Friedman, Sam Hirsch and Annie Hirsch.
Maxine’s gentle spirit, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion will be deeply missed by her family and all those who knew her.
Maxine’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to Mary Owusu, her devoted Aide of four years, and the many dedicated staff members at Stonebridge of Montgomery for their kindness, care and compassion toward her during her nine years in residence there.
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible contributions may be sent to Friends of the New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.
Funeral services will be held at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel 1534 Pennington Road (an extension of Rt. 31 S) in Ewing Township, NJ on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 10:00 am Eastern Time.
For those unable to attend, there will be a live stream of the service on Zoom:
See the link below:
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Sunday, Sep 15, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Topic: Maxine Hirsch Funeral Chapel Livestream
Dear Robin and other family members of Maxine Hirsch,
Reading this beautiful obituary of your beloved mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend makes me sad that I never had the opportunity to know her. I only know, realizing she gave birth to my dear friend Robin and knowing the value her daughter has brought to this world, Maxine did something very good. Now I know the other things she touched and influenced with her beautiful soul. Prayers and blessings go out to everyone who loved this amazing woman. May your rich memories sustain you in the weeks to come. A life lived this way should be cherished, celebrated, and emulated.
With love,
Paige Ramsey-Palmer