Deanne was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1940 to parents Abraham and Rose Lesher and big brother Gerald. She attended Taylor Allderdice High School, received her BA from the University of Pittsburgh, and married her high school sweetheart Arnold Kaplan in 1961. One of their earliest purchases as a young couple was the first pet either of them had ever owned, a dog that would be the first of many they would share their lives with.
Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis shortly after the birth of her second daughter, Deanne led a full life engaged in community service and numerous charities. She held the position of President of her local Hadassah chapters both in Westchester and Allentown, Pennsylvania. She supported numerous charities in the United States and Israel. Particularly important to Deanne was the Endowed Chair in Multiple Sclerosis at the Lehigh Valley Hospital and the Endowed position of Curator of Judaica Digital Humanities at the University of Pennsylvania.
Deanne and her husband built an important collection of items which detailed Jewish experiences in the early Americas through the 1880s…ranging from art to manuscripts. The collection is now owned and curated by The University of Pennsylvania. This lifelong achievement will be honored by the University at the National Museum of Jewish History in late April, with Deanne attending in spirit.
Deanne is survived by her husband Arnold, daughters Katherine Kaplan Locke and Pamela Ryba, six adult grandchildren and their families, including a great grandson born within the past year, and three adoring chihuahuas. We were all so blessed to have had this kindest of hearts and purest of souls in our lives.
Contributions in Dee’s memory may be made to the Neve Michael Children’s Village in Israel, All Faiths Food Bank, Temple Emanu-El or a charity of your choice.
