Jan. 20 service in Mattapoisett for Rayna Kaplan, 83

Rayna Kaplan

Rayna Lee Caplan, 83, of Mattapoisett and Lincoln died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. Rayna was born in Malden, Massachusetts but grew up in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rhoda (Klasky) Caplan. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and Lasell College. 

Rayna raised her family in Lexington and also lived in Lincoln and in her beloved cottage in Mattapoisett for her adult life. The cottage was her home away from home, where she spent weekends and summers before finally moving down permanently. She warmly welcomed countless friends and family to her cottage so they could enjoy a place she found so special.

Rayna was a voracious reader, an extensive world traveler, skilled trifle maker, expert antiquer, and lover of theater and film. A cultured, inquisitive, adventurous woman who was full of immense joy, Rayna loved others and was at her happiest when connecting with friends, family and acquaintances. 

Rayna was always committed to social justice. During the 1970s, she protested for better housing in Boston and later in life was elected onto committees for Lincoln town planning and housing issues. She marched in Washington in support of gay rights and she was a lifelong advocate for women’s rights. 

Rayna worked in corporate travel for many years, a profession she loved and one that offered her the opportunity to visit numerous countries. Multiple times per year for many years, Rayna would fly off to faraway lands with the zeal and fearlessness of someone many years her junior. 

Rayna was an incredibly warm and generous soul who, throughout her life, gave back to her communities and took immense pleasure in doing so. Whether volunteering at the Lincoln Public Library, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, or the community centers in both towns, or caring for the elderly or for children in her spare time, Rayna had a huge heart, which is epitomized in the vast number of deep and lasting friendships she forged along the way. 

She is survived by her sister, Gloria Caplan; her stepchildren, Timothy Norster and Louise Norster Arthur; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her brother, Harvey Caplan.

There will be a brief memorial service outside at Ned’s Point Lighthouse at 50 Ned’s Point Road in Mattapoisett on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the service, friends and family will gather at Bocca Restaurant at 100 Alden Road in Fairhaven.