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Shalom Memorial Funeral Home - Arlington Heights

1700 W. Rand Road

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Laurel Kaplan Obituary

Laurel Kaplan, nee Sommers, 59, beloved wife of James for 33 years and best friend for 45 years; Loving mother of Jeffrey (Bridget) Kaplan; devoted daughter of the late Barbara Sommers and the late Bert Sommers; doting daughter-in-law of Jean and the late Bernard Kaplan; dear sister of Russell Sommers, Susan Sommers and Beth (Jeff) Brigham; adored sister-in-law of Judy (Michael) Malamed and Jane (Neil) Yaris; treasured aunt of Jackie, Alex, Monique, Jenna, Joey, Robbie, Melanie, Charlie and Annie; cherished cousin, friend and teacher of many. Chapel service Sunday 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Howard Area Reading Program, www.howardarea.org, where Laurel proudly volunteered. For information, tributes and condolences: (847) 255-3520 or www.shalom2.com.

Published by Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Jan. 30, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
for Laurel Kaplan

Not sure what to say?





Laurel was my first close friend ever - we lived in the same building, 3180 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, when I was under five years old. I remember going to her house in Highland Park to visit her often after she moved there. I have always thought of her and remembered her so fondly . I just learned of her passing when I googled her name. I am very sorry and send my love to her family.

Ina (Berman) Cordle, Miami Beach, FL

May 3, 2018

My heartfelt sympathies go out to Laurel's family.

Pamela Dreyfus Smith

February 15, 2015

Laurel Sommers was my very closest friend as a child. The news of her death has left me terribly sad. Life has a way of pulling friends apart. I knew Laurel as a truly beautiful person inside and out. Her sweet humor and devotion as a childhood best friend was so important to me in those formative years. She really had such a special way about her. I pray she is at peace now.

Pamela Dreyfus Smith

February 15, 2015

Jim, I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.

Diana Juarez

February 4, 2015

Jim, I am saddened to learn the loss of Laurel. She was such a nice person to me everytime I seen her. I want you to know that I am always here for you the way you were for me when I lost John. My sympathies go out to you and your son during this time and I will be lighting a candle for you when I go to church.

Pat Schumacher

February 4, 2015

Jimbo, We are so sorry to hear the loss of Laurel. Please know that we are here for you for anything you need and that you, Jeff & your family will always be in our prayers.

Tom & Julie Turkowski

February 4, 2015

I was so sad to hear of Laurel's passing. I remember her as a fun and smiling presence, and a good friend, in my years at Edgewood and HPHS, and although we did not stay in touch after college, I know the world is slightly dimmer without her in it. May her memory be for a blessing to her family and friends.

Janet Glenn Ettleman

February 3, 2015

Jim, I want to extend my sympathies to you and your family on Laurel's terribly untimely death. May her memory be for a blessing.

Stuart Taussig

February 3, 2015

Dear Jim,

I was saddened by the news of Laurel's passing. She was a ray of sunshine in the years that I knew her at Edgewood and HPHS. My condolences to you and your family. May your memories be a blessing.

Lee Shapiro

Lee Shapiro

February 2, 2015

I just heard the news. I am so sorry. Sending you and the family all my love,
Holly

Holly Kal-Weiss

February 2, 2015

Jim: It's been a long time since I saw you and Laurel, but I've admired both of you.
Please stay strong for yourself and for those around you; and have faith that life still has a lot to offer you.

Bob Pasulka

February 1, 2015

Very saddened to hear this. A wonderful person who will be missed. Jim you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael Belsky

February 1, 2015

Laurel will always hold a special place in our hearts; we miss her terribly. Jim and Jeff (and now Bridget), you are and have always been part of our family, and we feel your loss (and, indeed, all of our loss) more deeply than you can imagine. We wish we could be with you today to honor Laurel, but it was impossible; please be sure we are there in spirit, and our hearts are with you.

Russell, Susan and Beth, we adored your sister and recognize how important she was to all of you. Jean, Judy and Janie, we were always in awe of how quickly and completely you embraced Laurel and accepted her into your family. Her affection for you and your families was obvious and profound.

All of our love,

Elaine, Bob and Lauren Sloss

Elaine, Bob & Lauren Sloss

February 1, 2015

i don't know what to say. Everything feels like a cliche. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. May Laurel be granted eternal peace.

Jack Levin

February 1, 2015

Jim,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Please let me know if I can help you or your family in any way.

Paul T. Schuster

February 1, 2015

With love and support in this time. We all care for you deeply and are so sorry for your loss.
Barbara and Family

Barbara Meldman-Rosenberg

February 1, 2015

Laurel was a wonderful friend and great classmate to all during our years at HPHS and beyond. Her enthusiasm for any task and joie de vivre were her gifts to everyone who knew and loved her. She was one of the brightest and most sensitive people I knew from my years growing up in Highland Park. I truly admired her for all she did as a mother, dear friend, wife and teacher. I especially admire her and her dear husband Jim for bringing another great teacher into this world. I will miss Laurel's presence in this world and I will continue to tell as many good anecdotes about her as I can remember. She was an original. She was one of the most admired women in the community and I will never forget how lucky I am to have known her. She lived a good important life in all she did for everyone!

Harriet Bolinger Ross

Harriet Bolinger Ross

January 31, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Laurel's untimely passing. Although I didn't know her all that well at Edgewood or HPHS, I well remember her sunny smile and how she was so well-liked by everyone whose lives she touched. Sincerest condolences to the Kaplan and Sommers famies.

Margot Harris

January 31, 2015

Dear Jim, Jeff and Bridget,

We were sorry to hear that Laurel had passed away. We have such special memories of her when we met at Jeff and Bridget's wedding shower in Green Bay and also at their wedding on Minocqua. We loved hearing her stories about her memories of the Minocqua area.

Please know you are in our prayers.

Karen and Wayne Hollister

Karen and Wayne Hollister

January 31, 2015

Laurel and I grew up together during Edgewood. We hung out with a group of sweet girls Laurel still referred to us as the sneaky six. She was nice to everybody at a time when life was difficult She was always nice to everyone and always was a good friend. I know she will be missed
My heart goes out to her family

Caryl Mae Kirchheimer - Noble

January 31, 2015

Jim, Jeff and Bridget,

Any loss in our lives takes us to a place beyond this world. Whether that be a live not lived or a longer life lived each moment. You are in my prayers during this and during the next months. Laurel was a great friend, wife Mom and dedicated volunteer. When I read that Howard Area Community Center's mission is to assist people "to reach potential" I understand why donations would be given to that noble organization. As Laurel's request we have made a donation to them. "Well done good and faithful servant." Peace, Dan and Barbara Conder

January 31, 2015

Jim, Jeff and Bridget,
Any loss takes us a place we had never been. Whether that being a life not yet lived or a life lived to the full. I send my thought and prayers to you, Laurel's legacy is a Wife, Mom, good friend and committed volunteer. When I read that Howard Area community Center wanted to assist people "to reach potential" I understood why she would want to volunteer and asked for donations to be made to them. "Well done good and faithful servant. Peace, Dan & Barbara Conder

January 31, 2015

Cindy Sprung Shekhtman will truly miss seeing Laurel. She was a very special woman.

January 31, 2015

Jim- We are so sorry to hear about Laurel. We will always remember her smile and positive outlook. We hope your wonderful memories will help you and your family through this difficult time.

Susan and Chadd Berkun

January 31, 2015

Dear Jimmy and family-Sending love to you all to help push aside the pain and make room for so many wonderful memories of your lovely Laurel.

Jeanne Smith

January 31, 2015

My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family. I remember Laurel from Highland Park and remember her fondly. I am sorry for your loss. You are are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joan Pearlman

January 31, 2015

I am sooooo sad to see this!! I have often wondered how and where she was. Laurel was so sweet and a great person throughout Edgewood & HPHS.

January 30, 2015

Laurel was my first friend in Highland Park and she made me feel so welcomed..
We shared many special times together. I will miss you Laurel. I hope you are singing showtunes wherever you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jim, Jeffrey, Bridget,, Sommers Family and Kaplan Family.

January 30, 2015

Jimmy--so sorry to hear about Laurel--she was such a sweet person. She will always be with you. Drew Eichner

January 30, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to family and friends...

Arlene Rosner

January 30, 2015

Susan and Russel,
I was very sad to find out that Laurel died.
Despite the time and distance I am sending love to you both......so sad. Know that I am among those thinking of you.

Rachel Flanders

January 30, 2015

Jimmy, Judy, Janie, and Jean-I am so sorry to learn about Laurel passing away. I met Laurel a long time ago when she joined the Kaplan family, and though I haven't seen her very much, I have always had a warm spot in my heart for her. She was kind, funny, compassionate, and I was always comfortable around Laurel. My heart is with all of you at this time of mourning and remembering what a special person Laurel was. Love, Bru

Bruce Bloom

January 30, 2015

Laurel was like a ray of sunshine every time we saw her and we will miss her so very much. Love, Nick and Cheryl Abaravich

January 30, 2015

I love u and will miss you. Laurel was my life cheerleader. Always there to support me. My heart goes out to Jeff and Jim

Mary Beth Mikrut

January 30, 2015

We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Laurel. She was one of whom we called our “Chicago Gals”, a trio of friends who has driven up to Canada for the past several years to spend a week at the Stratford Festival. We always appreciated her intellectual curiosity, her sense of humour, and her warm and loving nature. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful person.
Wayne Mahon and Iain Paterson, London Canada

January 30, 2015

Laurel always greeted us with a smile and wanted to know all about the family. It is so evident that she touched the lives of so many people...and made each of their lives a little bit better.

Carol and David Miller

January 30, 2015

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12:15 p.m.

Shalom Memorial Funeral Home - Arlington Heights

1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-9607

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Shalom Memorial Funeral Home - Arlington Heights

1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-9607

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