Maxine Levine Weiss, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family in Lakeland, FL on August 4, 2024.

Maxine was born on January 6, 1945 in Orange, New Jersey. Maxine grew up in North Miami. She attended the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Social Work. At USF, she met Richie, the love of her life.

After graduation, she embarked on a career in education. She taught English at Winter Haven High and then at Lakeland High. Certified in administration, she went on to serve as Assistant Principal at Riverside Elementary, Ft. Meade Elementary and Eagle Lake Elementary. She became Principal at Bartow's Floral Avenue Elementary and served there until her retirement. Maxine also volunteered as a counselor at Polk Opportunity School and as a foster care worker. She started the Polk County chapter of Big Sisters and had the honor of having the first "little sister". Upon retirement Maxine tutored English at Pace Center for Girls, as well as volunteering at the Lakeland Public Library, Temple Emanuel, and at the election polls. Maxine will always be lovingly remembered for her sweet sincerity, quick wit, gracious demeanor and love of chocolate.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard, of 58 years, son Stephen Weiss, daughter Alisha and her husband, Chris Stevens, who was a second son, beautiful granddaughters Kaylee and Ellery Weiss and Paige and Savannah Stevens as well as sister Rose Levinson.

Services will be held at Temple Emanuel on Tuesday, August 6 at 10:00am. Graveside services will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to Lakeland's Temple Emanuel.