Eleanor Fisher Kaplan
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Eleanor Fisher Kaplan, of Jamaica Plain (Springhouse Senior Living) and formerly of Brookline, MA, passed away at age 103 on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Judge Sumner Z. Kaplan, revered matriarch of an extensive loving family, and devoted friend to countless individuals across all ages, Ellie was one of a kind. She was smart, savvy, witty and an astute judge of character.
Born in Lynn, MA in 1921 and raised in Dorchester by her cherished mother Rose (Rines), Eleanor graduated from Boston’s Girls’ Latin School in 1938 and Wellesley College in 1942.
Her marriage in 1944 to her loving husband Sumner was transformative. She fully shared in his interest in local and state politics and was his most trusted adviser in his successful campaigns for the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Brookline Select Board.
While raising her two daughters, Ellie earned a Master’s degree from State Teachers College at Boston, followed by 20 years as an elementary school teacher in the Boston Public Schools.
Eleanor was a prolific writer, loved music and composed countless essays, poems and songs about her experiences, her family and her ever-insightful observations of life. She never lost her curiosity about people and the world, or her interest in civic engagement and politics. She remained an accomplished bridge player well into her 103rd year.
Eleanor leaves behind her two beloved daughters, Ruth Kaplan (Brookline) and Marjorie Kaplan (New York City), sons-in-law Toby Kusmer and Michael Stanislawski, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will be at the home of Ruth and Toby on Tuesday 7-9 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Saturday 7-9 pm, and Sunday 2-4 & 7-9 pm. On Friday, April 12, Shiva will be at Springhouse, 44 Allandale St., 3:30-5:00 pm.
Contributions in Eleanor’s memory can be made to Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446, Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester Street, Brookline, MA 02446, Hadassah Boston, 1320 Centre Street, #205, Newton Centre, MA 02459, or a charity of one’s choice.