Ann Laura Kaplan

Ann Kaplan, a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12 in Orlando at the age of 83. Though she faced dementia in her final years, she never lost the sense of humor that kept her laughing and bringing joy to those around her, even in her final weeks.

Born in 1943 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Joseph and Selma Goldberger, Ann spoke often of a childhood filled with dance recitals, singing with her sisters, and playing outside until the streetlights came on. After graduating from nursing school at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, life brought her to Tallahassee, which became her home for more than 50 years.

Ann was a comforting, expert presence to thousands of patients throughout her career at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, including 20 years spent as head nurse of the post-anesthesia care unit. Her colleagues inside and outside TMH frequently relied on her natural leadership and knack for getting things done, including electing her president of the Florida Society of Perianesthesia Nurses.

In the mid-1970s, Ann became an early member of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Tallahassee, where she forged deep, enduring friendships that became foundational to her adult life. A two-time president of the synagogue, she hosted countless holiday dinners where no one was ever a stranger and shared life’s highs and lows with a community that truly became family.

In her well-earned retirement, Ann traveled extensively. She loved giving visitors tours of her home, pointing out the photo walls chronicling her adventures and showing off her plants.

Above all, Ann’s greatest source of pride was her family. She was a vibrant, devoted presence in the lives of her grandchildren, especially during their younger years. Ann is survived by her sisters, Cookie and Marion; her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Sherry, and Jeff and Julie; and her beloved grandchildren, Jae, Jordan, Emma, Mary, Molly, and Sam.

Graveside services will be held Friday, August 14, at 12:00 noon at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Congregation Shomrei Torah, 4858 Kerry Forest Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32309, or to a charity of your choice.