Virginia Beach – Toby Flex Pekarsky, age 85, passed away on January 11, 2026.
She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Fred and Belle Levin Flex. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Robert Jay Pekarsky, her sister Sally Flex Weinraub, her niece, Tara Blacher Ropelewski, and her five beloved miniature schnauzers.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, Michael Scott Pekarsky, daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Duncan Pinnock, her three step grandchildren, Stephen, Amy, and Ben Pinnock, her niece and husband, Leslie (Blacher) and Edward Gottschalk, great nieces and nephew, Clarissa and Nathan Gottschalk and Hannah Ropelenski-Brack, and many loved cousins.
She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth and attended Old Dominion University. Toby was most proud of her “Putting Hubby Through” degree while Bob attended the Medical College of Virginia, School of Pharmacy. She practiced real estate for 20 years. In her retirement years, she started a successful crafting business called “Adventures in Art” with hand-painted designs on upscale clothing. She also participated in animal rescue efforts, helped children develop their reading skills, was a docent at the Virginia Aquarium and helped with their children’s Discovery Program.
She was a member of Temple Emanuel and contributed to many organizations and animal rescue groups.
A graveside service was held at The Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula, in Hampton, Virginia. The service was conducted by Rabbi Michael Panitz.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home and Cremations, Southside Chapel.