Marcia Simon Kaplan

Marcia Simon Kaplan

Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Marcia Simon Kaplan

Marcia Simon Kaplan, born April 13, 1926, in New Haven, CT transitioned peacefully from complications due to Parkinson’s on May 28, 2019, in Coral Gables, FL. Marcia is survived by her five children, Howard Simon Evergreen (Janet), Gary Simon (Julie), Vitalah Gayle Simon, Alan Simon (Diana), and Tami Simon (Julie Kramer); eight grandchildren – Asher (Katy), Josh (Ashley), Jillian, Rosa (Glenn), John, Shawn, Sarah (John) and Hannah (Taylor), and six great-

Marcia at her granddaughter’s Bat-Mitzvah in Boston

grandchildren – Eva, Phoebe, Jane, Jude, Lucas, and Lana. In 1945, Marcia moved to Miami Beach with her mother, Toibe Magun. She was a registered nurse, and she took care of newborn babies for several years. At a dance at the YMCA, she met the man who became her first husband and the father of her five children, Seymour J. Simon. They married in 1947, and Seymour predeceased her in 1984. She married her second husband, Col. Leonard Kaplan in 1987 and had several good

years with him. They traveled the world, including Israel where she had a Bat Mitzvah, before Leonard died. Her legacy of love, care, and generosity will continue to inspire future generations to make a vital difference in the world. Along with her first husband, Seymour, she was a founding member of Temple Judea in Coral Gables and she loved being a Lion of Judah for

Marcia doing one of the things she loved best – dancing

many decades. She was especially fond of the beautiful music almost every Friday night at Shabbat services at Temple Judea and on Sunday afternoons at New World Symphony. Throughout her life, Marcia was honored by several organizations including Temple Judea (Coral Gables), Jacob’s Pillow (Becket, MA), Brain and Behavior Research (New York)

and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Her passion fueled her desire to leave a substantial bequest for these organizations, so they could continue their fine work. Marcia was a superb spouse, mom and homemaker. She loved to cook, play the piano, dance, play golf, and entertain friends. She loved and

Marcia and four of her five children at Temple Judea in Coral Gables

supported the arts including modern dance, ballet, classical music, opera, visual arts and theater. She was a generous patron of many local and national organizations, and for many years she was on the Board of Directors at Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires. Her passions were modern dance, boogie-woogie music, her friends and especially her family. She spent many glorious summers at her home, the Lily Pad, in

The Indoor-Outdoor Space at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA

Stockbridge, MA with both husbands. She was most generous and loved having family gathering of all children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in venues around the world, including Stockbridge, Santa Fe, the Dominican Republic, Key Biscayne, Amelia Island, and Captiva Island. Marcia celebrated life with her loved ones and friends as often as possible. Her family is especially thankful for all the care and attention provided her in her last years.

Bat-Mitzvah at Masada in Israel Marcia’s entire family at Jacob’s Pillow

Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School

Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

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