Elaine Kaplan's Obituary
On June 11th, Elaine Kaplan passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was 90 years old.
Born in Wurtsboro, NY and raised in Brooklyn, she was the youngest of 4 children —
all brothers. She didn’t have an easy childhood, but that only made her more determined
to work hard and become an accomplished and fiercely independent woman.
For Elaine, caring for others was a calling, which led her to nursing school. She graduated in
1952 and went on to get her master’s degree in nursing from Hunter College. Soon after,
she studied midwifery and got a degree from NY Medical College. As it turned out, being a
midwife was incredibly fulfilling and would become a great love in her life. Her husband, Aaron Kaplan was truly the great love of her life. They were married on December 23, 1955
and raised three children in Monsey, NY. In 1991 they retired to Gainesville,
Florida where she continued to work part-time as a midwife for many years. She and Aaron also became a part of congregation Bnai Israel of Gainesville. They led the congregation in preparing the meals for religious events, like Shabbat Kiddush, Channukah latkes, Purim Hamentashen, as well as meals of condolence. A former chef, Aaron made sure that every meal was prepared to his high standards. But the congregation will tell you what really made them special was the love and care they put into each one.
When Aaron passed away in 2011 (after 55 years of marriage), the congregation became Elaine’s second family. As she got older, preparing the meals became more difficult but she continued to help as much as she could. Because that was who Elaine Kaplan was. She cared deeply about others and advocated for oppressed people and those denied full equality. She advocated for women and children’s health issues. And she advocated for a fair and just society. Her passion for helping people is the legacy for which she will be remembered. Nobody knew that better than her friends and family. And while she loved every one of them, her grandchildren were her greatest joy. Even when she would kvell about them over the phone, you could feel her eyes lighting up. They were her truly her heart. Elaine is survived by her beloved children Gary (Jo), Karen (deceased), Ray (Holly). Her grandchildren, Elyssa, Shmuel, Harry, and Ariel, as well as her sister-in-law, Annie Stoller and her dear nieces and nephews.
A service honoring Elaine’s life was held June 15, 2022 at Bnai Israel, Gainesville, FL with Rabbi Kaiman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bnai Israel www.bnaigainesville.com , Gainesville, FL or to the Bread of the Mighty Foodbank www.breadofthemighty.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Elaine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elaine?
Share a story where Elaine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elaine you’ll never forget.
How did Elaine make you smile?