Ina Kaplan

Ina Fran Kaplan passed away on March 5, 2026, in Atlanta, GA. Her love of life, passion of purpose and infectious laughter made the world undeniably a better place. 

Born on January 16, 1950, to Zena and Harry Kaplan in Savannah, GA, Ina was raised with her brother Steven in a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Ina enjoyed many wonderful times with her brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Shelley, and their son David; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marsha and Perry Thompson. 

Ina loved people! She was happiest with as many of her family and friends around her as possible. To stay connected, she and her Atlanta cousins got together every couple of months for Sunday lunch. They enjoyed sharing stories of the past and new ones that most often made everyone laugh. The Cousin Group was a rolling party no matter where or when they met.

 After graduating as an X-ray technician, Ina moved to Atlanta and began her career working with Dr. Will Brown, an orthopedic surgeon. He had a small practice, so Ina was not only the entire X-ray department, but also a trusted assistant and confidant. After Dr. Brown retired, Ina started a second career in antiques and collectibles where she found a love of antiquing, learning about different cultures and art, and most importantly meeting many fascinating people.

 After living in Atlanta for five years, Ina met Carolyn and they began a 51-year relationship of love and devotion, marrying on May 23, 2014. They enjoyed many good times together filled with music, sports (especially the Braves), travel, grilling tasty meals, constantly hosting gatherings large and small, and simply celebrating the joys of living. Being a mischievous prankster, Ina delighted in playing a joke or trick on her fellow loved ones, always followed by her contagious laughter. 

Ina spent many great days at Tybee Island, GA, enjoying the water, walking the beaches, bird and dolphin watching, and hosting large get-togethers which always included big meals, music and wonderful times for all. 

Ina had a huge heart. She gave to charities, particularly those helping children and abused women. Ina also gave money for meals to those who lived on the streets. Ina’s affection extended to her beloved dogs and those of her friends. Dogs know good people and they always sought Ina out. 

Ina was pre-deceased by her Mother and Father, Zena and Harry Kaplan, Aunts and Uncles Phyllis and Irvin Levin, Audrey and Max Levin, Joan and Saul Vitner, Julius “Boo” Hornstein, Phillip Kaplan and her Cousin Barry Levin. 

Ina is survived by her wife, Carolyn Kaplan; her sister-in-law and brother, Shelley and Steven Kaplan; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marsha and Perry Thompson; her aunts Iris Hornstein and Sally Kaplan, and more than 40 cousins and their children. 

Ina’s greatest joy was her friends and family. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. 

If you would like to donate in Ina’s memory, please send checks to the following 501 (c) (3) nonprofit: Kindness in Crisis, Inc. P. O. Box 13207 Savannah, GA 31416