Ruth B. Kaplan

Ruth B. Kaplan (nee Bernard) was not defined by the traditional roles assumed by many women of her era – in addition to raising four children, she was a civic leader, an apprentice pharmacist, and co-manager of the pharmacy she owned with her husband, the late David L. Kaplan.

Mrs. Kaplan, 86, died Thursday, March 25, 1999, at her home in Niles, Illinois, with her children at her side.

Born January 16, 1913, Mrs. Kaplan moved to the West Rogers Park area of Chicago in 1951, just as it was being developed from open fields into a thriving neighborhood and center for Jewish life. She was a pivotal community force, serving on the initial executive board of the North Boundary Homeowner's League, and was the first president of the Decatur School PTA.

Living in Rogers Park allowed her to develop a life-long association with Congregation Ezras Israel, serving as both president of the Sisterhood and longtime editor of the temple bulletin. In 1983, at the Israel Bond Testimonial, she and her late husband were specially honored for their long history of service and dedication to the synagogue. She was also president of the local American ORT chapter.

"The importance of Judaism and Jewish values was central to everything in her life," her son-in-law Yale noted. This was manifest not only through her work at the synagogue, but in her tireless devotion to her family. For many years, she served as its matriarchal hub, hosting all the holiday meals and opening her home for extended stays by many relatives. A self-taught pianist, she entertained at family events until the end of her life.

Her strong devotion to family was felt by each of her four children, ten grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. And yet she also worked for many years putting in long hours at the family pharmacy on the West Side. "Before we had a car, she took two buses back and forth to work each day," her daughter Arlene said. "And yet she was always there each night to help us with our homework."

Mrs. Kaplan was the loving mother of Esther (Yale) Weissman, Arlene (Gary) Morgan, Steve (Cindy) Kaplan, and Phil (Marcia) Kaplan; the cherished Nana of Kenny (Paula), Howie, and Darren Weissman, Alan and Rob Morgan, and Jason, Mike, Davey, Danny, and Eli Kaplan; the adored great-grandmother of Rachel, Marc, and Jonathan Weissman; and the devoted sister of Max Bernard, Ethel (the late Sam) Sinnenberg, Sam (Ruth) Bernard, the late Frank Bernard, Jean Long, and Harry (Giz) Bernard.