Elizabeth Kaplan
Elizabeth Ellen Morgan Kaplan
1935-2025
Elizabeth (Liz) Kaplan passed away on September 23, 2025, nearly 90 years old.
Liz was born in 1935, in Kewanee Illinois, at the hospital nearest to her family’s farm. She was the first child of Margaret Clark Morgan and Norris Goold Morgan. Her two younger sisters, Catherine Louise (Katy) and Barbara Joann, were born during the next seven years.
The family lived on the farm in Galva, Illinois. Farm animals included a horse, Daisy, on whom Liz learned to ride.
Liz’ father, Norris grew corn and was a partner in the Morgan Brothers Hybrid Seed Corn Company. He was also an avid flyer of small airplanes and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
World War II changed the family in profound ways. Although too old to serve in combat forces, Norris was recruited by the U.S. government to train women ferry pilots for the war effort. He went to Texas to serve in that capacity, and, in March 1943, he and a student pilot were killed when their plane crashed.
Liz’ mother, Margaret, now widowed, was suddenly head of an all-female family: herself and three little girls. At the suggestion of her sister-in-law Florence Morgan (a librarian at Colorado A&M College), Margaret moved the family to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Prior to marriage, Liz’ mother had been a teacher of high-school math and science, and she was also a musician. She saw to it that all her daughters had piano lessons, and she made it possible for all three to attend college and earn degrees.
Liz graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1953. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music at Midwestern University and later studied at Juilliard in New York City (which became her home for much of the rest of her life).
Music became Liz’ life-long passion and profession. She played several instruments, but she excelled on viola, and it became her main instrument. She loved chamber music; friends and family remember many string quartet sessions with her. Her music career included teaching instrumental music in public schools, playing in local orchestras, and playing many gigs. After she retired from Chappaqua Public Schools, she continued teaching viola for many years in her home studio.
Liz expressed her creativity in many ways: she made doll houses and doll clothes for her younger sisters; she took art classes and explored drawing and painting; she made jewelry; she was an avid photographer; she was a creative cook. Liz and her husband traveled extensively in their later years, and they collected art on their travels.
Elizabeth married Raymond Kaplan on December 23, 1965. They enjoyed over 53 years together until Ray’s death in 2019. They had two sons: Paul Norris Kaplan (now of Delanson, NY) and John Phillip Kaplan. Paul is managing partner of the Kaplan family business. Second son John was disabled. Liz and Ray sought out the best possible care and therapy for him. With the help of his parents, his Aunt Katy Morgan, and many others, John graduated from college and lived an independent life in New York City until his death in 2018.
Family was very important to Liz throughout her life. She hosted many family holiday gatherings. She was the one who kept track of all the cousins spread across the country.
Liz’ health began a slow decline about seven years ago. She received live-in help from Annie’s Home Care in her house in Yorktown Heights for her final five years. Her son Paul devotedly saw to her comfort and care. At the suggestion of her care team, the family held an early 90th birthday party for her in September (while the weather was still nice). Family and friends gathered round, and some played chamber music. Liz clearly enjoyed visiting with all. Ten days later, she died in her sleep.
Elizabeth’s and Raymond’s ashes will be buried in the Morgan Family plot in the Galva Cemetery, Galva, Illinois.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Friends of Music Concerts, Inc.
P.O. Box 675
Millwood, NY 10546
914-861-5080
https://friendsofmusicconcerts.org/contact/
National Park Foundation
Attn: Gift Processing
P.O. Box 17394
Baltimore, MD 21298-9450
(888) 467-2757