Susan Kaplan, 80, development staffer
From QuickNooz:
The WGBH community mourns with deep sadness the passing of former longtime Local Development ’GBHer Susan Kaplan, who died on December 5 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Susan was a part of ’GBH since 1994, first as a key member of the Auction team, then joining the Member Development & Services Outbound team, and finally serving as a volunteer docent for 11 years.
“Susan was an amazing person and an exceptional volunteer,” notes WGBH Volunteer and Marketing Manager Jaime Reese. “Her tours were as informative as they were entertaining, and her warm and contagious enthusiasm made guests feel so welcome here. We will miss her dearly.”
Former longtime ’GBH Auction Manager Edye Baker adds, “WGBH was blessed when Susan joined the Auction staff. She had a wonderful way of connecting with volunteers and making everyone feel so welcome; her sincerity always showed through. Susan proudly represented the Foundation in countless ways.”
In an email to WGBH, Susan’s daughter writes that she and her brother “have been really impressed with how many people have shown up and expressed love for her. We are so grateful. Mom passed remembering good times, with a fond farewell to all of you.”
Rest in peace, Susan.
From Boston.com
Susan Stuart Kaplan of Newton passed away on Dec. 5, 2018. She was born October 27, 1938, Indianapolis Indiana. Susan and her family moved to Newton in 1971.
A former English teacher, she graduated from Indiana University and received a Masters Degree in English Literature from the University of Maryland. Susan was on the staff of organizations and causes she believed in through Action for Children’s Television, Fund for the Arts in Newton, and WGBH, where she was a member of the Auction staff for many years.
She was active in Newton community events, a member of the Newton Cultural Council, a member of the Social Science club of Newton and the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
She is survived by her son Doug Kaplan and Marsha and grandson Marco Attie of Corte Madera, CA and her daughter Ann Kaplan and Angela Campbell of Minneapolis, MN. At Susan’s request, there will be no services.
Photo by Jaclyn Moy on Unsplash
When Edye Baker told me she had posted a new position for the Auction team, I said look no further: my longtime friend (and former Action for Children’s Television colleague) Susan Kaplan is the perfect match. And she was, not just for Auction but for every part of the organization she touched: supremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and unfailingly positive. Susan truly was one of a kind, and she leaves a large and loyal fan club–all shaking our heads in disbelief that such a force of life is no more. A memorial is being discussed for early spring. The Alumni site will share details.
Hi Cynthia, Although you kindly prepared me when we met at the Alumni reunion, it was still devastating to hear of Susan’s passing. We worked together for years, I remain in denial of her passing ….. countless beautiful memories.
Sharing your sadness, Ros. Here’s to good friends…and good health.
Susan was one of the nicest people I came across during my years at WGBH. Her smile and laughter were memorable. When I would see her in the hallways coming my way, I instantly began to smile because no matter what kind of day I was facing, difficult or stressful it would be healed immediately. She never rushed by. She stopped to say hello and changed everything for the good. In a rushed “selfie” world how many people can we say this of today? She gave people a rare gift. Her time. I will miss her greatly. Mark Duffield
I knew Susan at Membership Outreach Development for 7 years or so, and she was wonderful, always informative, helpful and professional. She will be missed.
Love,
Laurie Feuer Hutchinson