Barbara Whitmore Kaplan

WEST BARNSTABLE - Barbara Whitmore Kaplan, 63, died peacefully with family and friends by her side on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.

A year-long battle with Leiomyosarcoma did not dim her positive spirit.

Born in Omaha, Neb., Barbara graduated from Cathedral High School and University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in interior design.

She spent her early professional years as a medical assistant in Trumbull, Conn., and later as a regional sales representative for the furniture company Knoll International.

In her 50s, her sense of adventure led her to live in Honduras and later on the island of Roatan where she taught scuba diving.

She moved to Cape Cod in 1999 to be closer to family.

Barbara loved the outdoors - summers were spent swimming, sailing and golfing; autumn brought cycling and kayaking; winters meant skiing in Killington, Vt.

She was an active member of the Cape Cod Ski Club.

Barbara's mantra was ''another mile, another run, a few more holes.”

Known as 'Oma' to her grandchildren, life's best adventures were had while holding small hands.

A dedicated reader of Bon Appetit magazine, she nourished many not only with her meals, but also her warmth and hospitality.

She is survived by her husband, Walter R. Kaplan of West Barnstable; her son Dr. John Willis, wife Julie; and grandchildren Kylin, Jack and Ava; her brothers Jim and Tom of Omaha and Bob of Indianapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

She also leaves stepchildren, Brad Kaplan and wife Lorna with baby Iona and Tara and Sergio Marini with children Chiara and Allegra.

Barbara was predeceased by her beloved parents Anne and Don Whitmore and sister Mary Fox.

A memorial service will be held in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28) Marstons Mills, on Monday Sept. 24, at 1:30 p.m.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Jimmy Fund c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place, Sixth floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Way, Hyannis, MA 02601.