Shirley Caplan

Shirley Soffar Caplan, 86, loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dogs, but not necessarily in that order. Surrounded by her familywho were singing, laughing, and crying, she died peacefully on Friday, January 13,2017 in Houston. Born in Borough Park, Brooklyn, in 1930 to Victor Soffar and Rose Freedman Soffar, Shirley graduated from Adelphi College at age 19 with an RN degree. She moved to Houston, traveling in the baggage car because they wouldn'tlet her beloved dog Teddy in the passenger cabin. In Houston, she met Harold Caplan, got engaged six weeks later, beginning their 64-year fairy tale love story, and married him on August 3, 1952. She worked in the operating room with Harold for 35 years. Together they raised four wonderful boys (all doctors): Richard, Jim, Mike, and Billy. What a lady - Shirley always said she never got sick; she only got pregnant. Tough, stubborn, and full of energy, her welcoming, loving smile and twinkling eyes showed her appreciation for the joy of life and her positive outlook. She had a bottomless capacity for love and was known for opening her home for warm and happy occasions. Every person Shirley ever met was family, and every dog she ever met was her friend that she had to stop and kiss. A lifetime of precious memories will be cherished by her beloved husband Harold, Richard Caplan and hiswife Leslie Cohan, Jim Caplan and his fiancée Isolda Celeghin, Mike Caplan and hiswife Hildy, Billy Caplan and his wife Carolyn. Shirley's grandchildren Lindsey Rockoff and her husband Jared, Jennifer Barks and her husband Justen, Henry Caplan, Danny Caplan and his wife Ashley, Kailey Caplan, Leah Caplan, Charlie Caplan, Koby Caplan, and Joseph Caplan, her great-grandchildren Jackson and Preston Rockoff, and her beloved German Shepherd Jackie always held a special place in Grandma's heart. She was everyone's cheerleader, and never missed a performance, a game, or an opportunity to tell you how proud she was. Shirley treasured her sister Gilda Rossi, her late brothers Saul Soffar and Ben Soffar, her many nieces and nephews, and her numerous lifelong friends. Special thanks go to the wonderful family caretaker friends. Shirley's life will be celebrated on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 2pm in the chapel at Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset, Houston, and she will be laid to rest at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery. Donations in Shirley's memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Neighborhood Centers or any no kill animal shelter were some of her favorites. The world lost a giant presence in a tiny packagein Shirley. Grab the nearest dog and give it a big hug and a kiss for her.

Shirley Caplan

November 30, 1930 - January 13, 2017