Obituary of Maxine A. Perry

Maxine (Shovel) Perry Age 76, of Pittsburgh, most recently of Plainville, CT, entered heaven's gates after transitioning peacefully at home. She will be deeply missed by her beloved and devoted daughter, Kristine Marie Perry and her treasured son, Clifton Joseph Perry, his wife Sara. She absolutely adored her three grandchildren Hannah, Josie and Samantha. Maxine was born in Swissvale to Josephine and Samuel Shovel, deceased, and was the oldest of her surviving siblings Jacqueline Shovel Sweeney (Tom), Martin Shovel, Michael (Judy) Shovel, and Samuel (Jackie) Shovel. Growing up Maxine attended Madonna del Castello Parish and graduated from Swissvale High in 1962. She went on to graduate from Robert Morris College to earn an Associates in 1964. Her first job was working for Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. The bulk of her career, until retirement, was spent working at Babcock Lumber Co as Fred Babcock's executive admin and personal assistant. Her 33-year tenure with Babcock included many volunteer opportunities with The United Way and many trips to Babcock Lodge and Babcock Ranch. Maxine enjoyed shopping at her favorite stores Braddock's Fashion Sphere and Kaufmann's.. Raising her children (former husband Samuel Perry), Maxine became an excellent cook and preferred host for dinner parties, family parties, and Steeler games and she enthusiastically passed these passions on to her daughter. Later, she took up flower gardening and learned to grow herbs for her meals. Maxine will forever be remembered for her auburn hair, her always-polished nails, the peace she felt walking on a beach, and a laugh that could fill up a room. Most especially, as even her granddaughters will attest, "Nana" will be remembered loving music (especially 'the oldies') and dancing whenever she felt like it. She was a light that shone through your darkest days and warmed you on your best ones. Friends received 6-8 p.m. Monday only at the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME INC. 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale. A blessing service will be held at the funeral home Tuesday 12 P.M. www.niedfuneralhome.com