Linda Kaplan

NORTH YARMOUTH/SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. – Linda Kaplan, 80, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Oct. 8, 1945, in Bridgeport, Conn., Linda was the daughter of Samuel and Belle Parker. She grew up in a close-knit family community alongside her brothers, Stanley and Joel Parker, both of whom predeceased her.

After college Linda married her beloved husband, the Honorable Jonathan J. Kaplan, her high school sweetheart and best friend. They were married for over 50 years. Their marriage was one of deep love, laughter, and unwavering devotion, the kind of partnership many aspire to and few achieve. John passed away in April of 2021, and Linda missed him dearly every day thereafter.

Together, Linda and Jon built a warm and welcoming home that became a gathering place for family and friends. They traveled the world, embracing each new adventure with curiosity and joy, often sharing those experiences with their sons.

Linda was a devoted mother to her two sons, Scott Douglas Kaplan and David Brian Kaplan. David passed away in 2018, at the age of 46; a loss she carried with quiet strength. Her love for her family was boundless and extended far beyond immediate relatives. She embraced aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with an open heart.

She was, above all, her family’s greatest champion. Linda had a rare gift for making each person feel seen, valued, and capable of becoming their very best selves. She believed deeply in the people she loved and found great joy in supporting them in whatever paths they chose.

Professionally, Linda worked in human resources as a senior executive recruiter for various insurance companies, where she found fulfillment in helping people find roles that suited their strengths and personalities. She took pride in guiding others toward meaningful work and personal success.

Linda found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved playing Rummikub, working on puzzles, clothes shopping for those she loved, and traveling with her husband and family. Her smile lit up a room, and her laughter was truly infectious. She formed connections easily and made friends wherever she went.

Though she spent most of her life in Connecticut, Linda recently moved to Maine to be closer to her son Scott. Even in a short time, her warmth, curiosity and openness drew others to her, and she formed meaningful friendships.

Linda lived by a simple but powerful belief passed down from ‘Grandma Becky’: “Everything works out for the best.” That perspective guided her through life with grace, resilience, and quiet strength.

She is survived by her son Scott Kaplan (Bonnie); her grandchildren Sophie, Able, Olivia Jacob and Noah; great granddaughter Cora; her sisters-in-law Beverly Parker, Sharon Burde and Cynthia Kaplan; her beloved nieces Stacey and Susan; her beloved nephews Howard, Brad, and Jeff; Eric and Stephen; along with many extended family members who loved her deeply.

She is now reunited with her beloved husband Jon and her son David, a thought that brings comfort to those who will miss her dearly.

Leah bat y’Shiya Chaim, may her memory be a blessing

Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 1. at 11 a.m. at Beth Olam Cemetery, Edith Rd., in Vernon, Connecticut. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com

Her love remains woven into the lives of all who knew her.