Barbara G. Gorfinkle Kaplan

Barbara G. (Gorfinkle) Kaplan of Jamaica Plain, formerly of Brookline and Newton Highlands, MA, died Tuesday December 10, 2013 at age 79. She died suddenly of complications from metastatic breast cancer following a 12 year remission. Devoted mother of Lynn Kaplan of Brooklyn, NY and Nina Kaplan and Nina's husband, G. Minot Clements of Charlottesville, VA. Adored grandmother of Mazal and Raven Karlick and Charlotte and Gillian Clements.

Cherished 30-year companion of Arthur L. Johnson of Jamaica Plain and his daughter, Nora Vernazza and her husband Mark and their children, Charlie and Abby, of Milton, MA. Proceeded in death by her former husband, Robert M. Kaplan, of Newton, MA. She was an extraordinary friend and she will be greatly missed by both her family and her many close friends. Barbara was a graduate of Brookline High and Barnard College. She also attended Boston University (fine arts) and the BAC (architecture) graduate schools. Barbara had a long and creative career in the non-profit sector. She founded the Newton Highlands Community Development Corporation and for many years she was the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Development Corporation of Jamaica Plain. As Executive Director of JP NDC, she helped develop the original ideas for "the Brewery Project" as a small business incubator and job creation project. She helped save the Coolidge Corner Theatre and was the Developer and Executive Director of the "E-Team" Machinist Job Training Program of Lynn, MA. An accomplished potter, she also enjoyed yoga, tap dance, gardening, Spanish, knitting, traveling,

and her beloved family. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made in her name to the charity of your choice or to support progressive democratic causes. For further information please contact Lynn Kaplan at [email protected].