Leona F. Kaplan

Leona Kaplan, adored mother and grandmother, died on January 4, 2024. The daughter of Sam z’l and Sylvia z’l Resnick, she grew up in Newark with her older sisters Leatrice z’l and Sondra z’l, and later together with Arthur z’l, the love of her life, raised her family in Hillside. Leona worked for many years for the Senior Citizens of Irvington, rising to Center Group Worker, and eventually to the position of Coordinator for the entire Congregate Housing Services Program.

A graduate of Weequahic High School, Leona returned to college part time while juggling her family’s needs, including the care giving of her two parents. After 11 years of hard work, in 2001 Leona graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kean University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Of note was her Certification in Gerontological Studies, Dean’s List achievement, election to Alpha Sigma Lambda and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies, and the Robert A Famighetti Award for Excellence.

Following Arthur’s death, Leona continued working until she retired. After living her whole life in a 20 mile radius, Leona then chose to make a fresh start and moved all the way to Atlantic County where she embraced a rich and vibrant life making new friends and becoming involved with synagogue, Hadassah, concerts, plays, book clubs, mah jong and travel. Her favorite trips included going to Israel and Alaska.

The pandemic definitely put a crimp in Leona’s active social life, however she soon learned to use zoom and also became adept at finding on-line lectures and concerts and discussions to occupy her time. As normalcy returned, Leona resumed her busy life as best she could, always looking for things of interest.

Leona is survived by her “important and precious” children Jaime Epstein (Warren), Jeffrey Kaplan and Laura Grimshaw (Joe Abegg), as well as her beloved grandchildren Carly, Abigail and Samuel Epstein and Ryan Grimshaw. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and so many friends also mourn her passing.

Grave side services are scheduled for 10:30am, Friday, January 12, 2024 at Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, with shiva to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to any of the following: your local food bank, Beth El Synagogue of Margate, Hadassah, Cystic Fibrosis Research or Magen David Adon.