Penina Gould

Penina Gould, 94, died peacefully on January 31, 2026 on Shabbat. In Jewish tradition, passing on Shabbat is considered a mitzvah, a timing that deeply reflected and honored her lifelong love of Judaism.

She was born in 1931 in Philadelphia to Tillie and Morton Maiman and was originally given the name Pearl. In her thirties, she chose the Hebrew name Penina, reflecting her strong Jewish identity and values. She was raised alongside her older sister, Ethel Maiman, who predeceased her.

Penina attended Philadelphia public schools and later Folkshul, a Jewish secular humanist community with a strong emphasis on Yiddish language and culture. She was an active participant in the Habonim movement and went on to attend Gratz College, where she earned a degree in Hebrew teaching.

She was formerly married to Paul Gould, who predeceased her, and together they made their home in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood before moving to Pennsauken and later Cherry Hill, N.J. She returned to Philadelphia when her children were raised, and then moved to Denver just two years ago.

Penina devoted many years to education and community life. She taught Hebrew school for 29 years at Temple Sinai and Beth Israel in Cinnaminson and Camden. She also worked for Dr. Ralph Hyatt, a psychiatrist in Philadelphia, and spent six summers at Camp Ramah in the Poconos as Assistant to the Director.

An entrepreneur at heart, Penina founded Fashions by Penina in Marlton, NJ, later known as With Love, Penina, a boutique she owned and operated for nearly 40 years, from 1980 until 2019. She loved the world of retail and took great joy in helping women feel confident and their best - the inspiration behind the word "Love" in her store's name.

An optimist with a strong belief in giving back, Penina volunteered extensively throughout her life. Her service included the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, Reading Terminal Market, weekly challah distribution to Pennsylvania Hospital for Shabbat, and volunteer efforts supporting Israel. A Zionist at heart, she made numerous trips to Israel as a volunteer with nonprofit SAR-EL.

She also co-founded a Yiddish club in Philadelphia, which met for nine years before she moved to Denver, where she also launched a Yiddish club at the Jewish Community Center.

Penina is survived by her children: Cheryl Gould (Phil Rosov) of Philadelphia, Ari Gould (Diane) of Denver, and Josh Gould (Melodye Feldman) of Denver; and by her five grandchildren: Liat Rosov (Jonathan Gilbert) of Philadelphia, Ariel Rosov of Philadelphia, Ellian Gould of Denver, Evan Gould of Denver, and Coby Gould (Miranda Card Lampke) of Brooklyn.

Her life was marked by learning, generosity, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to Jewish life, community, and culture.

Relatives and friends are invited Wednesday, February 4, 2026 beginning 1:00 PM to Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc., 2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 where funeral services will begin promptly at 1:30PM. The funeral services will also be live streamed by clicking on Penina's Memorial Page at www.plattmemorial.com. Burial will follow at Crescent Memorial Park in Pennsauken, NJ.

Shiva will be observed that same day from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday February 5 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the home of Cheryl Gould, 2001 Hamilton Street, Apt. 1506, (Cityview Condominiums) Philadelphia PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Camp Ramah in the Poconos or the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia.