Sharon Hecht-Caplan

August 1, 1957 – August 13, 2026

Beloved daughter, mother, sister, and partner, Sharon Hecht-Caplan of Cortlandt Manor, New York, passed away on August 13, 2026, after succumbing to her battle with cancer.

Born in Flushing, New York, in 1957, Sharon spent her childhood on Long Island, where she attended Valley Stream Central High School. She later attended SUNY Brockport and then earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her MEd (Master of Education) from Northeastern University, both located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Her married years with David Caplan were spent in Cortlandt Manor, New York, where they raised their son Dan, daughter Sarah, and their “fur” children Nacho and Holiday. Later in life, she met her partner, Jeff Schultz, and continued to live in Westchester County, New York.

She provided unending support for her children; their successes were hers as well. Her love also extended to the many pets she had over the years, especially her dog Holiday.

Sharon worked as the Program Director of Employment Services for the Mental Health Association of White Plains (MHA), New York, for over 35 years. In this role, she was instrumental in helping to reintegrate her clients into the working community. Her work family was always an important part of her life.

She will be fondly remembered for living life to the fullest — whether she was traveling to watch whales in Mexico, trying a new cuisine, engaging in sports such as hiking, tennis, and skiing, or simply immersing herself in nature. She possessed a rare capacity to see and value the humanity in everyone she met. Her kindness knew no social boundaries; she treated every individual with the same dignity and respect, regardless of background or social standing.

She had a way of making life brighter for everyone around her; her uplifting spirit made people feel welcomed, remembered, and glad to be in her company. She relished time spent with old friends and made staying connected feel effortless. Sharon’s glass was always half full, and her approach to life was a positive one.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Irving and Florence Hecht. She will be immensely missed by her children, Daniel Caplan and Sarah Caplan; her sister, Debra Hecht; and all who were fortunate to know her.

In her memory, donations can be made to:

• American Cancer Society: P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at Cancer.Org

• Greater Mental Health of New York: 580 White Plains Rd., Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY 10591, or online at greatermentalhealth.org

Interment at Sharon Gardens Cemetery is Private... Family Only