Lori Fae Kaplan

Lori Fae Kaplan, a humble person at heart but recognized as a leader who was loved and respected by many, completed her final journey in this world on March 11, 2025. Born on December 31, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, she exemplified kindness, intelligence, humility, and commitment throughout her remarkable life.

Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and a few years later went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis. She began her law career practicing complex civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense in the Law Offices of Linda Pence. From there she went on to a career mostly in public service, as Chief Counsel, and then Deputy Director at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Director of the Department of Public Works for the City of Lawrence, and ending her professional career as the Executive Director of the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority. Her work not only served the state but also inspired many who recognized her unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world for future generations. She was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash twice, in 2003 and 2004, the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Indiana.

Throughout her life she served on many local, regional, and national advisory councils, but Lori mostly enjoyed volunteering with those organizations dedicated to improving and protecting our public lands. She served on the boards of the Central Indiana Land Trust, the Indiana Parks Alliance, and the Indianapolis Greenways Advisory Committee. In addition, she served for many years on the board of the Indianapolis Fringe Festival, as well as volunteered with the non-profits Random Acts of Flowers, and Indiana Neighborhood Cats.

In retirement, she turned her love of nature toward traveling, hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, and numerous walks with friends. She had an immense network of friends and colleagues, but she most especially appreciated the Indianapolis community of like-minded women that formed the village of her closest friends.

Lori is survived by her beloved wife, Janean Gilbert, and her cherished sister, Daryl (Saul) Federman, as well as nieces and nephews, Fran Federman, Mitch Federman, Harris Federman, Rob Ship and their spouses, and her beloved cats. Their love, support, and shared experiences enriched her life immeasurably, providing a solid foundation from which she drew strength and joy. She is predeceased by her parents Arthur and Muriel Kaplan, and her sister Andrea Ship.

A memorial service honoring Lori’s life will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary in Zionsville, Indiana. There will also be a luncheon on the same day, beginning at 12:00 PM and concluding at 2:00 PM, providing friends and family with time to come together in shared remembrance.

Lori Kaplan left us too soon but she will be remembered forever as a humble friend, a devoted partner, a loving sister, and a person whose life reflected the beauty of the world she worked tirelessly to protect.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/, The Indiana Parks Alliance https://indianaparksalliance.org/, The Central Indiana Land Trust https://conservingindiana.org/, or CaringBridge https://www.caringbridge.org/