Elaine Caplan

Elaine Brodey Caplan (born Elaine Rochelle Brodey), 85, of Boca Raton, FL lived a full and beautiful life that was drawn to a close on June 19, 2022. She is survived by her beloved husband, Stuart of 63 years, her loving daughters; Sheila (John Sheffield) Reinken, Martha (James) Andrews, grandchildren; Ruth (Stuart) Lindberg, Schuyler Reinken, Eve Andrews, Mary Andrews, Dinah Andrews, and great-granddaughter Edna Brodey Lindberg.

Elaine was an avid reader with books by her favorite authors lining the living room walls. She loved walking and having dinners with her husband and friends in Key West where they spent much of their time. She enjoyed volunteering her time as Treasurer on the Board of the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library for many years.

When Elaine graduated High School in Indianapolis, she turned down a scholarship to the University of Indiana, electing instead to attend University of Michigan and was named a James Angell Scholar in her first year.  Fortuitously, at University of Michigan, she met her future husband, Stuart Caplan.  Elaine graduated magna cum laude with a major in French.  After graduating, she married and taught French and German in Waukesha County School District next to Milwaukee. In 1967, she moved from her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana to Miami, Florida.  In Florida, she raised her family and simultaneously obtained her master’s degree in ESL from Barry University.  She then began her career as a professor teaching reading at Broward College where she taught many students how to be successful in their studies.  She worked at Broward College for 34 years and retired as Associate Dean.   Elaine spoke French so well that she was mistaken for a native French speaker when visiting France.  She also spoke Spanish and German. Elaine was the family historian who knew everyone’s birthday, names of all relatives and their children. She repeated the stories which kept precious memories of our forebearers alive, and her family bonded. 

She will always be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor, her extremely high intelligence, her dignified beauty and grace, and for her beautiful smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Elaine Caplan to Friends of WLRN at wlrn.org or plant a tree.  A graveside service will be held in her honor Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, 10am at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Elaine Caplan to Friends of WLRN at wlrn.org or plant a tree.

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