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Melissa Caplan Obituary
Aug. 1, 1979 - Jan. 1, 2015
San Francisco
Melissa Rebecca Caplan, beloved daughter, sister and niece, forever the light of our lives. Proud graduate of Indiana University and the University of Pennsylvania. Esteemed colleague. World traveler. Famously funny. Fierce in her affection for family and friends; in her views on politics and fashion; and in her work ethic, from Salesforce to the U.S. Senate. Cherished by parents Bill and Susan Caplan, brother Mac Caplan, Auntie Gayle Caplan, cousins Andrew and Hilary Romanoff. Donations in her memory may be made to Aleh Negev (aleh.org), Temple Isaiah Lafayette, or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Caplan
Sponsored by H. Ein.
Bill Romjue
April 23, 2015
To all the Caplans and Romanoffs
I just this day heard of Melissa's passing. My heart breaks for you. Melissa was one of the most talented and beautiful individuals I have ever known. What a special special person she was-she could light up a room for just being in it. So sad and so sorry.
Mary Ciletti
March 24, 2015
Melissa was a shining light. Jim and I were so honored to know her. Our sincere condolences to her family.
Mercedes Aponte
February 2, 2015
Dear Bill, Susie, Mac, and Andrew.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy and regret to hear this very sad news. I hope that the loving, caring memories and experiences of those that knew her will soothe and comfort you, and make your grief a little easier to bear. My thoughts are with you.
Warmly,
Mercedes
Bryan Rose
February 1, 2015
Dear Susie, Bill, Cap, Mac, and Andrew,
Please accept my condolences. It was an honor to have gotten to know Melissa while working on the campaign. She touched so many lives and we all will truly miss her. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time.
Vanessa Leonard
January 25, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Melissa. She will ever remain in my memory as a sweet, vivacious little girl. I am thinking of the entire family.
Vanessa LoSavio Leonard
Emily LoSavio Jonas
January 24, 2015
I remember playing with Melissa when we were very young girls. She was always beautiful, bold and fun.
I'm devastated to hear of her passing. Bill, Susan and Mac, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Melissa will always be in my heart.
Jackie Davis
January 22, 2015
It is with great sadness to learn of Melissa's passing. I briefly worked with her at Salesforce and from each and every encounter I always walked away with this thought of what a kind, smart and caring person Melissa is. I believe Melissa left that impression with everyone she encountered. There was something special about Melissa's spirit and I'm blessed to have known her My sincere sympathies to Melissa's family and friends as I know what a difficult loss this must be. Sincerely, Jackie Davis
Jan Tanner
January 22, 2015
Melissa's passing saddens everyone who knew her and her family.
I wish you peace.
Stan Turim
January 20, 2015
Susie and Bill,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your lovely daughter. I am sure that our sadness is shared by everyone who knew Melissa.
Martelle Daniels
January 18, 2015
We love Melissa. I found a card from her that she sent with flowers after staying with us. She was so warm and funny. I laughed so much of the time with her. She had such a smart take on those around her. We are all so sad. We are sorry for you and everyone that knew her.
Ann & Ray Held
January 17, 2015
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful daughter.
January 15, 2015
I did not know Melissa, but the support she's received leads me to believe she was a wonderful person. May she rest in peace and may her loved ones celebrate her presence.
Saurabh
January 15, 2015
Rest in Peace Melissa
LD Kingsley
January 15, 2015
To the Caplans - thank you for sharing your wonderful daughter and sibling with us at Salesforce. Although I didn't have the chance to work with her very long, she was my one colleague upon whom I could depend to always be dressed in a suit (like me) and talk about fond memories of D.C. We carry with us the light that she was to all and forever will be.
Hamakom yenachem etchem b'toch she'ar avelai Tziyon Vi'yerushalayim.
January 15, 2015
RIP
Maxine Rudy
January 14, 2015
Dear Susan:
My deepest sympathy for your tragic loss.
January 14, 2015
Dear Bill, Susan and Mac,
My sincere condolences to you at this difficult time.
Nancy Glick Bitton
Paula Carter
January 14, 2015
Cap, Andrew and Family
My thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Becky Marx
January 14, 2015
Dear Caplan Family, I was a classmate of Melissa's from Fels. She was my orientation partner, and one of the first people I met when I moved to Philadelphia. We spent our first meeting lunching, shopping and talking for many hours. I have always been impressed with her class, her style, her magnetic personality, and her ambition. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. She was an incredible person, and this world is a little less bright without her in it. My sincerest condolences.
Sandi Bernhardt
January 13, 2015
Although I did not know Melissa, I can see by reading the tributes what a beautiful person she was. My heat goes out to you, Bill, Susan, and Mac. This loss is incomprehensible, and I am so terribly sorry. Praying for peace for you.
Mohamed Bah
January 13, 2015
Very sad news indeed! My deepest sympathies to her family and all our friends at Penn who knew her. She was such a nice person. RIP Melissa!
Andrea Roberts
January 12, 2015
Melissa and I were classmates at Fels. It is rare that one is privileged to know a person who is as beautiful and kind as she is intelligent, humble, and professional. Melissa was such a woman. She was a great colleague at Fels, and we all expected great things from her. Condolences to her friends and family.
Bobby Amezaga
January 12, 2015
My sincerest and deepest condolences to the Caplan family. I will always remember the tremendous passion she had for life and the collectedness she brought to work every day. Always a smile on her face and genuine care for others. I am blessed to have called her a friend. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Rachel Barkley Escamilla
January 12, 2015
Melissa was a classmate at Fels. I will always remember how she always had a smile and kind word for everyone.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gina Rossi
January 10, 2015
To The Caplan family, I am so sorry for your loss. Melissa was such a special person inside and out--beautiful, funny, smart and kind. I will miss her.
Terry Naylor Friedkin
January 10, 2015
Dear Caplan Family,
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you as you mourn. We are sorry beyond words for your loss.
Dave Schemel
January 10, 2015
Bill, Susan, Andrew, Cap and Mac - Your loss of Melissa is truly beyond words. I feel blessed to have met her during the 2010 campaign. She was bright, beautiful and so much fun to work with. I will never forget her wonderful smile, warmth and sense of humor. She was amazing. Thoughts and prayers - Love and Light to all of you. Her beautiful soul and spirit will continue on in the higher realms.
Linda Beemon
January 9, 2015
Dear Caplan Family, our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Hugs are being sent from your "Old Timers" from Martinez.
Christa Lawrence
January 9, 2015
Dear Susan, Bill and Mac,
We just heard the terrible news about your beautiful Melissa. We are so shocked and heartbroken for you. Molly and Kelly also send their sympathies to you and remember Melissa as the sweetest girl who clearly grew to be a beautiful, talented and loved woman. Our hearts ache for you. Jeff and Christa Lawrence
Brandie Young
January 9, 2015
I am shocked and profoundly sad to discover this news about Melissa. My heart aches for everyone fortunate enough to have known Melissa, in particular her family. Melissa and I were neighbors and I enjoyed our many conversations about dating, career, family and life in general.
I will always admire her style, polish and class. She sets a high bar and I will work hard to live up to that every day.
Mary Pritchard
January 9, 2015
My thoughts are with all of you as you mourn the loss of Melissa. Today and moving forward may you find a little more peace each day. Most sincerely,
Warren Wick
January 8, 2015
My deepest condolences to Caplan family. Melissa was an incredible person and I will miss her tremendously. God bless.
Allyson Fryhoff
January 8, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Melissa at Salesforce and she was an absolute delight. She will be greatly missed.
Minal Nebhnani
January 8, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Caplan and Romanoff families. The world has lost a truly remarkable young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian Selander
January 8, 2015
Whether it was in our classroom at Penn, political conventions and events around the country or even over email about IT solutions, Melissa made everything more fun and more interesting. Once you met her, you could never forget her. What an incredible loss.
Sam Fleischmann
January 8, 2015
The luckiest of us are those who had the good fortune to work with Melissa. Always cheerful, always thoughtful and, above all, always kind. My deepest condolences to the Caplan Family. We're grateful to you for sharing such a wonderful person with the rest of us.
Anne McGihon
January 7, 2015
Melissa was the light of many events in Denver on Andrew's campaign and I was so happy to see her working at the DAM. Her ease with everyone, humor and warmth made that campaign so wonderful. To all the Caplan family, your loss is incomprehensible and many prayers for Melissa and all of you.
Jennifer Marko
January 7, 2015
Sincerest condolences to the Caplan family. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Melissa - a beautiful person inside and outside, who gave the greatest bear hugs with the brightest smile and the warmest words of support. Melissa, you are so very missed and the World is not as bright as it was with you in it.
Corey Marshall
January 7, 2015
It's rare that you meet someone that truly has it all. Melissa was incredibly bright, fiercely protective of friends and family, and generous to a fault. I was fortunate to watch as she grew personally and professionally over nearly 15 years and somehow bridged all of her worlds together – and with a grace and infectious, boisterous laughter. I will never forget our (many) conversations that began, “Oh my gosh, Corey Marshall, you will never believe what happened.” You will be missed, Melissa. You left us far too soon.
Corey Marshall
January 7, 2015
It's rare that you meet someone that truly has it all. Melissa was incredibly bright, fiercely protective of friends and family, and generous to a fault. I was fortunate to watch as she grew personally and professionally over nearly 15 years and somehow bridged all of her worlds together – and with a grace and infectious, boisterous laughter. I will never forget our (many) conversations that began, “Oh my gosh, Corey Marshall, you will never believe what happened.” You will be missed, Melissa. You left us far too soon.
Alison Bowe
January 7, 2015
To Melissa's family... I got to know Melissa through Lesley, and my memory of her is joy and kindness. She was exceptionally bright and motivated. She and Lesley adored each other, and I was so glad I got to spend time with her at various parties. I think of Melissa everyday since hearing this news, and will always remember her.
Rebecca Dowling
January 7, 2015
Dear Caplan Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Melissa was always truly a delight and touched so many people with her kind spirit. She will be missed by many.
My prayers are with your family.
Susie McMahon
January 7, 2015
Dear Susie, Bill, Cap , Mac and Andrew,
I am sending hugs and prayers to surround you ! Melissa-her light, smile and laugh are held in my heart! My deepest sympathies.
Patrick Heim
January 7, 2015
My deepest condolences. I had the opportunity to work with Melissa at Salesforce. She always brightened my day.
Ellen Williams Finkbine
January 7, 2015
I was so sad to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Blackburn
January 7, 2015
Bill, Susan and Mac,
I was so sad to hear about Melissa. I remember her so well as a Happy Valley student. She was such a bright and lovely little girl and it sounds like she turned into a lovely young woman. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you much love and a big hug.
Daniel Ford
January 7, 2015
Dear Caplan clan, Andrew, friends... I wish you all of the comfort, love, peace, and strength in the world. Oh Melissa! You are in our hearts!
Pooja & Varun Rai
January 7, 2015
Melissa was a great part of the salesforce family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Caplan family. Melissa, you will be missed.
Katie Kutzer
January 7, 2015
To the Caplan Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Melissa was a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss her bright smile and positive attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Ramin Sedehi
January 7, 2015
Dear Caplan family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of Melissa's professors at Penn and absolutely loved and cherished her sense of humor, her honesty and her intellect. I am so heartbroken. I remember her laughter and how much she added to everyone in the program. She made all of us be better people. The world has indeed lost one of its great souls.
Nathan Freitas
January 7, 2015
I'm so shocked by the loss of Mel. She was always such a wonderful soul to work with at Salesforce and I credit a lot of my success to her help. My thoughts are with you all as you work your way through this tragedy and please just know that Mel was an amazing person that will be deeply missed.
January 7, 2015
Dear Bill, Susan and family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Susan Weaver, Pleasant Hill
Kelly Moura
January 7, 2015
Bill, Susan, Andrew, Cap and Mac. I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember like it was yesterday meeting Melissa for the first time back in 2010 on the campaign.
Melissa always had a bright smile, a great laugh and a kind word for all those she came in contact with. Her presence alone could brighten up a room.
It was an honor to work with her. I will cherish all the times we spent together. I hope and pray that warm memories will bring you comfort in the days to follow.
My Dearest Melissa:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in
the hollow of His hand.
Erica Ginkel
January 7, 2015
Dear Caplan Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Melissa was a smart, talented, funny, thoughtful and beautiful person. We shared many wonderful adventures on semester at sea and after graduation. I will always remember her smile and kindness. She will be truly missed. My deepest sympathies.
January 7, 2015
Bill,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Andree
Steve Steinberg
January 7, 2015
Hi Caplan family, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Melissa from Sunday/Hebrew school back at Temple Isaiah, and she was always such a nice, sweet person. I pray that you may find some peace in the coming days.
January 6, 2015
Dear Caplan family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I came to know Melissa at salesforce and she was always warm, wise and witty - a pleasure to be around.
Emmy Pasternak
January 6, 2015
To the Caplan family:
Melisssa and I went to elementary, junior high, and high school together but I will remember her most for the Sundays we spent together at Temple Isaiah. She was such a joy to be around and I am so very sorry for your loss.
Maureen Erwin
January 6, 2015
Melissa and I were co-workers years ago. Smart, beautiful, and with a great (and wonderfully dry) sense of humor, she was such fun. I will never forget her wit, her complete presence during a conversation, her laugh, and her fabulous shoes. Melissa, I miss you.
Nick Silver
January 6, 2015
My deepest condolences to the entire Caplan family. Melissa was such a bright, fun, loving, compassionate and fashionable woman. I will miss her and her friendship dearly and remember fondly all the times I was fortunate enough to be in her presence.
January 6, 2015
Dear Bill and Susan: Words can't adequately express how sorry we are to hear of the loss of your daughter, Melissa, and you have our heartfelt sympathy! Doug and Barbara Bradley
Arian Hushyar
January 6, 2015
I've known Melissa since Oct '14 when we connected at a Salesforce party. My husband and I couldn't stop talking about her at the end of the night. She's everything everyone has already said: intelligent, hysterical, stunning, warm, loving. She saw me sitting by myself at the Salesforce xmas party several weeks ago 32 weeks pregnant and she came over to keep me company. She's an incredible human being that I will forever miss. All my love to the Caplan family.
Sarah Melching
January 6, 2015
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Melissa. Her candor and ebuillence was always an inspiration, her wit and humor as well: a truly genuine spirit.
Jane Knynenburg
January 6, 2015
To all of Melissa's family and friends, I can't imagine what you're going through. Melissa was a joy to behold and is already missed. I am so extremely sorry for your loss.
Lisa Hammitt
January 6, 2015
My profound condolences to the entire Caplan family. I was fortunate enough to sit next to Melissa on a three-hour flight from San Francisco to Indianapolis. Her intelligence, grace, beauty and kindness stood out immediately as she made our conversation the easiest of interactions. She was an extraordinary person who will be genuinely missed.
Laurie Ridgeway
January 6, 2015
To The Caplan Family,
My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of Melissa. She was a wonderful, fabulous individual and I am blessed to have been a colleague of hers. Your family is in my prayers.
Ed Park
January 6, 2015
To the Caplan family, I am so sorry for your loss. I feel blessed and fortunate to have known Melissa. She brought an infectious smile and warmth to everyone she met.
beth scheer
January 6, 2015
Dear Bill, Susan, Mac and family,
My condolences to you and your family. I've had the pleasure of working with Melissa for the past few years and will always remember her smile and bright eyes. She was an amazing, funny, and spirited person. My heart breaks for you during this painful time.
January 6, 2015
Dear Bill, Susan, Mac and family
My heart breaks for you in the devastating loss of your lovely daughter. May you take some comfort with loving family and friends in your grief. Words cannot adequately express my deepest condolences. With love, Dianne Kushner
Ryan Pfefferkorn
January 6, 2015
Bill and Susan,
My condolences to you and your family. I was so blessed to meet Melissa when we were students at Indiana University. I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter was an amazing person. We will always remember her. My prayers are with you and all of her many friends and family.
Clara Ricciardi
January 6, 2015
With deep and sincere condolences at this difficult time of sorrow.
Linda Dunlap
January 6, 2015
Words can't express how saddened I am by this news. Melissa was a delight to be with - and brought a bright smile and positive energy to every encounter I was fortunate to have with her. My heart and prayers go out to the Caplan family during this time.
Ryan Aytay
January 6, 2015
To the Caplan Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your daughter was an amazing person, always happy, always willing to chat, always smiling. She will be missed by many.
Steve and Kathy Weiner
January 6, 2015
Bill and Susan
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Melissa was such a fun loving gal. We still remember her bright smile at the age of 3. May her beautiful smile and loving personality always be in your heart
Fondly
Steve and Kathy Weiner
Dan Darcy
January 6, 2015
I am really saddened and sorry for your loss. Melissa was a great friend. I will miss her positive, fun attitude and warm smile. She brought happiness to everyone she met.
Maury and Janis Topolosky
January 6, 2015
Dear Bill and Susan and Caplan family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your daughter Melissa. She was a brilliant shining star and brought joy and happiness wherever she went. May her memory provide you with comfort and peace at this time of severe loss. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
B'Shalom, Maury and Janis Topolosky
Carole Gordon
January 6, 2015
To the Caplan family~ My heartfelt condolence.
Ralph Colunga
January 6, 2015
To the Caplan Family
My deepest condolences on your loss. I had the privilege of working with Melissa at Salesforce and she was a favorite among those whose lives she touched.
She will be greatly missed.
January 6, 2015
Dear Bill and Susan and Caplan family, we are so very sorry. There are no words. Our thoughts are with you.
Dave and Evie Frasch. Wisconsin
Libby Darlington
January 6, 2015
To Melissa's family and friends....I had the honour of working closely with Melissa at Salesforce and was lucky enough to meet her on a few occasions when she travelled to London. She was a joy to work with, always positive, smiling and laughing and I will genuinely miss her. I can't imagine the pain of your loss but hope that all of your happy memories of Melissa ease some of the heartache.
Kate Israels
January 6, 2015
Melissa was such a friendly and warm person. She pulled through numerous times for me and always signed off with a happy face. She is truly missed - my thoughts and prayers are with the Caplan family.
Such a beautiful woman --- literally and figuratively
Andy & Lynne Morris
January 6, 2015
Elena Gomez
January 5, 2015
To the Caplan Family:
I was blessed to know and become friends with Melissa. She had a special talent of personally connecting with so many people even amidst the chaos and stress of work. Her smile and energy were contagious and she made the office brighter. My prayers and heartfelt sentiments are with you during this difficult time. She will be forever missed.
Jennifer Lagaly
January 5, 2015
To the Caplan family - I am so very sorry for your loss. The world is a less bright place without Melissa; she was a genuinely beautiful soul that brought smiles to many.
Deborah Matarazzo
January 5, 2015
Truly sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister, niece and cousin... I knew Melissa from working with her on events, she was so nice, courteous, patient and she was very good at what she did. A Beautiful girl that will live in a lot of people's memories...My sincere condolences
Frank van Veenendaal
January 5, 2015
Dear Bill and Susan and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Melissa brightened up my day many times with her smile, warmth and laughter. She will be greatly missed.
Sarah Walsh Smith
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Melissa was a beautiful human being inside and out. She always lit up the room with her incredible smile. We are thinking of your family during this sad and difficult time.
Love the Walsh Family
Josh Lee
January 5, 2015
Never gone are the cherished memories of Melissa, she brought laughter and smiles. My deepest sympathies to the Caplan Family and friends.
Brian Komar
January 5, 2015
Melissa was kind when no one was looking and took the time when she had none to give. May your countless memories of her blessed soul bring you comfort.
January 5, 2015
To the Caplan family,
So sorry for your loss.
Nancy and David Steinberg
Christopher Patusky
January 5, 2015
Dear Caplan Family,
I offer my deep condolences. I knew Melissa at Penn. She was a wonderful person who made everyone around her happier and better.
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