Mary Ann Kaplan

Mary Ann Kaplan, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on June 1st 2026.

She was born November 6th, 1944, in Martinsville, Indiana, to parents Alex and Erma (Fisher) Feiler.

Mary Ann grew up on the east side of Indianapolis and was a 1963 graduate of Warren Central high school.

On September 20th, 1968, in Böblingen, West Germany, Mary Ann married her husband Arnold S. Kaplan. Arnold passed away June 26th, 2002.

She and Arnold traveled the world extensively during Arnold’s time in the military. After Arnold’s military discharge, they continued their love of traveling, revisiting beautiful European cities, and relaxing on tropical beaches until they settled down in New Jersey, where they welcomed their son Matthew.

Mary Ann was incredibly intelligent and well educated. She received her undergraduate degree from Franklin College in 1967. In 1969, she then went on to receive a Master of Arts in French in Paris, France from Middlebury College, and a Masters of Science in Computer Science. Her studies and world travels made her an excellent communicator, and she was fluent in numerous languages including French and German. She had a way of understanding others that made her a natural teacher and a delightful conversationalist.

Mary Ann had an extensive career as a computer programmer for various companies such as Newsweek in New York as well as Farm Bureau and BMG in Indiana. Mary Ann was a professor at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey where she taught English, French, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Those who knew Mary Ann were graced by her gentle warmth, unconditional acceptance, and quick wit. She was devoted to her family. Mary Ann and her son Matthew had a strong bond. She was so proud to be a grandmother and cultivated unique bonds with each of her grandchildren. She had close relationships with her brother Jim, sister Judy and their families. You could not find a kinder soul.

Mary Ann was a vibrant, social woman. She regularly met with her fellow Warren Central alums, attended Villa Community events, was a valued member of book clubs, and attended Red Hat events, dressed to the nines.

She was a talented seamstress, enjoyed knitting, and quilting. In her free time, she liked snuggling up with her cats and spending time cooking and making ice cream sandwiches with her grandchildren. She enjoyed wine tastings and introduced her daughter in law Amanda to wine festivals.

She created one life, but changed so many. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Mary Ann is survived by her son Matthew (Amanda), grandchildren Vincent, Kris, Joseph, Emily, and Zackary, siblings Judy (Denny) and Jim (Buni), nieces/nephews Lance, Eric, Jill, Shelly, Patty, Chris, and Michael.

She is preceded in death by her parents Alex Feiler and Erma (Fisher) Feiler and her spouse Arnold Kaplan.