Ann Ruth (Maslow) Kaplan

Ann Ruth Kaplan, nee Maslow, a valued member of the local Indianapolis community, passed away on April 26th, 2020 of COVID-19. She was 82 years old. She leaves behind her daughter, Jeannie Kaplan; and grandson, Ezra Nelson. Ann is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jerome Kaplan, who was a Professor of Physics at IUPUI prior to his death in 2010.

Born in New York City on January 14th, 1938, Ann is the daughter of famed psychologist Abraham Maslow, and artist Bertha Maslow nee Goodman, and sister to Psychotherapist Ellen Maslow of Boulder, Colorado. Born to an intellectual Jewish family, filled with artists and scholars, Ann’s personal passions would grow from those strong roots.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Bennington College in Vermont. While living in Columbus, Ohio, Ann oversaw food co-ops in her local community, establishing her sharp business sense. A grassroots activist, she was a benefactor and volunteer of NARAL and Planned Parenthood and along with her husband was a fervent supporter of women’s access to reproductive choice and childbirth healthcare.

A lifelong patron of the arts, in 1977 Ann co-founded Artifacts Gallery, a mainstay in the Broad Ripple area that has supported countless American artists and craftspeople in its 42 years. As a small business owner, she worked to lobby local government to protect fellow small businesses in Indianapolis. Her commitment to community is seen in her acts of service over many decades.

Ann’s family and friends describe her as a humanitarian, always generous and welcoming, especially to those needing a helping hand. Always ready to have a long and colorful conversation, Ann is described by her loved ones as having a wonderful laugh and a warm presence that will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. At this time, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Union of Concerned Scientists: www.ucsusa.org ; CERF: www.certplus.org ; or Heart for Hooverwood: www.bit.ly/2KRjxk2