Darlene Caplan

May 27, 1949 – February 16, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Darlene W. Caplan, a remarkable woman whose passion for helping others, love for the arts, and devotion to her family touched countless lives. She passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with multiple lung diseases.

Born on May 27, 1949, in Beaver Falls, PA, to Henry Woodman and Dorothy Smith, Darlene was a natural leader with an infectious energy that inspired everyone around her. She was dedicated to growth and education and a proud graduate of Beaver Falls High School, received her Bachelor’s degree at Clarion University, and her Master’s Degree from Carnegie Mellon. She has a diverse background of experience working for organizations including Midland Center, GTE Sylvania, Tenneco Automotive, Tower Automotive, and Actuant Corporation, where she supported dynamic teams. She had a rare gift for unlocking potential in others.

Darlene’s heart was always with her family, and she spent the last decade in Harrisburg, PA, to be closer to them. She found joy in adventure, creativity, and connection, making every moment with loved ones special. A devoted lover of the arts, she cherished Broadway performances, gallery visits, and creative pursuits, always fostering a spirit of curiosity and expression.

She was preceded in death by her son, Aaron Caplan, her sister, Cynthia, and her parents, Henry Woodman and Dorothy Smith.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Gerald (Jerry) Sanders, her children Benjamin Caplan, Jeanna Giraldi, Julie Cavanaugh (Dan), Paul Sanders (Dee), and bonus daughter Martha McAnlis. She also has 6 Grandchildren, Robin (Michael), Kelsey, Rachel, Kyle (Carol), Cameron (Dawn), Madison and 6 Great-Grand Children, Allan, Brayden, Mikey, Sailence, Kieran, and Farren. She also leaves behind a vast network of friends and colleagues whose lives were transformed by her unwavering encouragement and belief in their abilities.

A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held on May 18, 2025, at Stocks on 2nd St in Harrisburg, PA, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Aaron Caplan’s Scholarship Fund at the University of Montana https://supportum.org/give/ (Scroll down and under Designation Choice, select Other and type “In memory of Darlene Caplan to Aaron Caplan’s Scholarship Fund”) a cause she, Jerry, and Howard Caplan established to honor Aaron’s life and dedication to education.

Darlene’s legacy of love, inspiration, and belief in others will live on in all who knew her. May we honor her memory by living with purpose, passion, and kindness always.