Susan Kaplansky

Beloved wife of Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky; dear mother and mother-in-law of Mindy Kirsh (Dr. Edward) and Emily Cohen (Dr. Daniel); dear grandmother of Julia and Zoe Kirsh, Alex and Samantha Cohen; dear daughter of the late Manfred and the late Thekla Kraus; dear sister-in-law of the late Dr. Ronald Kaplansky (Judy); dear aunt, cousin and friend. Susan was a passionate, focused, and driven woman. For decades, she advocated for others as Director of the Senior Adult Department at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. She was an educator, as well. Susan taught high school English while she completed graduate school. And she loved mentoring the practicum students who passed through her department at the J. Following her formal retirement, Susan continued to serve the community through her volunteer work at the Alzheimer’s Association. She possessed passions for learning and fitness. Susan could often be found participating in an exercise class like yoga at the J, reading, or keeping up to date on current events. But Susan’s greatest passion was her family. She and Howard enjoyed a marriage of almost 56 years. Susan was a dedicated mother to her daughters while they were young and after they were grown. And she savored the time she spent as “Susu” to her four granddaughters, through whom her legacy continues. Her memory will be a blessing. Funeral service Wednesday, December 21st, 1:30 PM at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road at Woodsmill. No visitation prior to service. Please see below for Live Stream details, Interment United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Memorial contributions preferred to United Hebrew Congregation or BJC Hospice.