With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of our beloved mother, Susan Caple who passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born on June 13, 1940, to John Kenneth and Marjorie Smith, the oldest of three children.  She was an intelligent, empathetic and artistic child, mothering her other siblings even then.

She graduated from Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut and met her beloved husband, Paul Caple, at the University of Connecticut.  They were married June 28,1960 and made a good life together for 66 years.

After moving from Connecticut to Florida, she went back to school at the University of South Florida, at the age of 34. She worried about being too old to go back to school but was soon mentoring her younger classmates.  She graduated with honors with a degree in special education.  She taught at Plumb Elementary for > 25 years where she worked with special needs students.  She loved every one of her students for who they were, focusing on helping them learn and become their best selves.

To her children, she was the anchor of the family, always interested in what we were doing, ready with a sympathetic ear, and great advice. She worried about us, prayed for us and demonstrated her enormous love every day.  She taught us the value of hard work, pragmatism and empathy.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion.  She is lovingly remembered by her children, Kim Hatch (Tony), Kevin Caple (Madelyn) and Ken Caple (Becky); and her grandchildren, Konnor, Leeah, Kale and Ryan. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Friends and family are invited to gather and honor her memory at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home 701 E. Tarpon Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 1-4 PM, eulogy at 3:30 PM. Friends are welcome to join the family for a toast at the couples’ home from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  In her memory, please consider donating to The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches https://www.youthranches.org/give-online/