Obituary of Shirley Caplan

Shirley (Mermelstein) Caplan, daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah (Moskauf) Mermelstein, beloved wife of David Caplan for 56 years, cherished mother of Leta Smith, Murray and Gail Caplan, and Sharon and Michael Polovina, and adored Nanoo/Nanae/Nanny of her grandchildren, Caley, Frank, Julie, Kyle, Bryan, Chad, Zack, and Cassie, great-grandmother of Jordan David, and loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Shirley is predeceased by her dear sisters and brothers, Francis Feldman, David Mermelstein, Sidney Mermelstein, Morris Mermelstein, Blanche Leder-Gellert and Milton Mermelstein. Shirley grew up at her family's farm in Hoag's Corner, N.Y. and graduated from Averill Park High School. Shirley met the love of her life, David, at Caplan Brothers Furniture on South Pearl Street in Albany, N.Y. and together they started a beautiful family. Their extraordinary relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them. Shirley was a loving, pure, kind and generous soul who gave loving care, wisdom and strength to her entire immediate and extended family. Shirley's example will be forever carried forth in the hearts and lives of her family. Services will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 648 Washington Avenue, Albany on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow services at the Temple Israel Cemetery, Guilderland, N.Y. The period of mourning will be observed at the Caplan home, 237 Davis Avenue, Albany, N.Y. 12208, on Monday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, Inc. and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.