JOAN ERLICH KAPLAN

07/30/1936 - 06/25/2023

Joan Erlich Kaplan, 86, a woman of style and grace peacefully passed away on June 25, 2023. Born in Dallas, Joan dedicated her life to creating community through her strong family bonds, philanthropic work and her desire to mentor and assist others. Her welcoming demeanor, mischievous grin and fondness for giving were apparent throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, Nana and friend to all.

Joan was born on July

30, 1936 and was the eldest daughter of Moselle and Isadore Erlich. Following graduation from The Hockaday School in Dallas she attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

After many years of courting and cultivating their relationship, Joan accepted the proposal from her childhood friend who ended up being the love of her life, Marvin Kaplan. They were married on November 10, 1956 and their beautiful 64-year relationship was full of adventures, laughter, fun, friends and family.

When not at home with her three well-behaved and impeccably dressed children, Joan enjoyed spending time with her friends, planning parties and playing Mahjong. She held an important position in the family retail business, Palais Royal, where she initiated and developed the Gift Wrap Department. Her vision and exquisite taste helped create a distinctive image and a perfectly wrapped package.

It is no surprise she kept a meticulous calendar filled with family and social gatherings, school events and volunteer board meetings while making sure everyone in the family was where they needed to be. Joan lived life to the fullest. She and Marvin traveled the world, enjoyed breathtaking art and music and relished the time spent in their favorite place other than home, Vail, Colorado.

She is survived by her children, Karen Brooks and her husband Roy, Susan Bruch, Rick Kaplan and his wife Debbie. She was lovingly known as “Nana” by her eight grandchildren, Harris Brooks, Emily Singletary and her husband Taft, Sarah Brooks, Ford Bruch, Brooke Kaplan, Jordan Kaplan and Michael Kaplan. She was the proud great-grandmother to Sloane and Blaire Singletary. She will also be remembered by her sisters Judy Margolis and her husband Rodney, and Phyllis (Cissy) Asch and her husband George and her extended family.

Joan’s philanthropic efforts touched the Houston community in many ways. She gave generously without recognition to causes that were beneficial to the health, education, arts and Jewish communities of Houston. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Symphony, the Kaplan Theatre Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC or an organization of your choice.