Hallie "Maxine" Kaufman, 75, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Canton, Ohio.

Born on April 1, 1950, in Akron, Ohio - a date she always joked about being April Fool's Day - Hallie, who was lovingly known to most as Maxine, brought laughter and warmth into the world from the very beginning. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Hallie Teischinger, whose strength and guidance helped shape the woman she became.

Maxine spent her entire adult life in New Philadelphia, Ohio, where she built her home, raised her six children, and created a lifetime of memories with her family.

A faithful Catholic, her life was rooted in love, devotion, and family. She shared 46 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Edward Charles Kaufman, whom she married on February 8, 1969. He preceded her in death on September 3, 2016.

Together they were blessed with six children: Randall (Kelly) Kaufman of California; Renee (John) Branch of North Carolina; Lisa Kaufman; Melissa Kaufman; Paula Kaufman, all of New Philadelphia; and Edward (Jennifer) Kaufman, Jr. of North Carolina.

Completing the family are 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She is also survived by her loving sister, Roseanne Abercrombie, with whom she shared a close and cherished bond.

Maxine was a passionate crafter, an avid plant lover, and had a special place in her heart for animals. She adored children and had a gift for making everyone feel safe, heard, and cared for. A natural caregiver and confidant, she shared her stories generously and loved to laugh.

She found joy in simple moments - playing Yahtzee and board games with her family, tending to her plants, and adding to her treasured collection of elephant figurines.

Her faith guided her, her love anchored her family, and her legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In keeping with her wishes, Maxine's life will be honored privately by her family.

Ward-Simchak Funeral Home
330-455-0293