Dr. Marlene K. Caplan, age 88, passed away Monday February 20 in Atlanta after a courageous lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She had a lifelong dedication to education, a passion for teaching, and a huge heart for helping those who would otherwise be left behind.
Dr. Caplan was born on November 14, 1934 in New York NY and moved to Atlanta in 1965.
She began her career in education by teaching English to students in New York and at Cross Keys High School in DeKalb County, Georgia. Eventually, she also taught classes at Oglethorpe University and provided writing guidance to professionals. She transitioned into educational administration, including roles as Executive Director for Secondary Education in DeKalb County, as a director in the Georgia Department of Education, and as Director for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee for accreditation of Georgia secondary and middle schools. As a consultant, she advised high school students, schools and corporations.
In recognition of her service to education, she was awarded the Georgia Excellence in Education Award in 2010.
Her family knew her as Marcia, a beloved and devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cousin. She shared with her children and grandchildren her commitment to the power of education, her love of reading, and her pleasure in traveling the world with friends. She was an active member of Temple Kol Emeth where she found many deep friendships and a true spiritual home. Not surprisingly, she served as a consultant for the TKE religious school.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Stephen J. Kaplan and sister-in-law Charlet Kaplan, both of Albany GA. She is survived by her daughter Blair Marks (Dr. Joseph) of Marietta GA; son Dr. Stuart Caplan (Janie) of Nashville TN; daughter Dale Harney (Michael) of Milton GA; grandchildren Sasha Jones of Alpharetta GA, Samantha Lang of Sacramento CA, and Andrew Lang of Atlanta GA; nephew Alex Kaplan (April and sons Dallas and Kellen) of Albany GA; and sister-in-law Naomi Caplan of New York NY.
Funeral services for Dr. Caplan will be conducted on Thursday February 23 at 11:30 am at Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta GA 30062.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L'dor V'dor Fund at Temple Kol Emeth, helping ensure that no child is left behind within the Jewish community for financial reasons: https://www.kolemeth.net/payment.php and under "Type" select L'dor V'dor Fund (or by check to Temple Kol Emeth at 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta GA 30062) -OR- to the Alzheimers' Association https://www.alz.org/
