Thekla Florence "Tekie" Kaplan, 80, of Crisfield, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Junction City, KS on August 16, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Elwath and Katherine "Kate" Olsson Tawes. Her husband of 55 years, Robert William "Bob" Kaplan, preceded her in death on July 30, 2021.

She was a graduate of Crisfield High School and attended St. Mary's College. In her earlier years, she worked as a nurse at Prince George's Orthopedics for 15 years. After moving to Crisfield in 1987, she had her own day care and most recently, she was a substitute teacher for Somerset County Public Schools.

Tekie attended Crisfield Wesleyan Church and enjoyed being the "Sunshine Committee", sending cards to church members for birthdays, anniversaries, and illnesses. She loved to crochet and enjoyed watching golf and baseball on TV.

She is survived by her children, Catherine Kaplan of Lusby, MD, and Robert L. "Robbie" Kaplan and William J. Kaplan and wife Jenn, all of Crisfield; siblings, Scott Tawes and wife Melanie of Princess Anne and Mindy Hood and husband Dave of Crisfield; grandchildren, Andrew Washabaugh, Douglas Josh Thomas and wife Ashley, Stephen Washabaugh and wife Diana, and Aiden Cole Kaplan; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jemma, Trevor, Maddox, Malia, and Margot Washabaugh, and Memphis Thomas; her cousin who was like a sister, Peg Orr; her friend and caregiver, Lottie Matthews of Crisfield, two lifetime best friends, Carol Hall of Crisfield and Bobbie Vaughn of Clinton, MD; and many nieces, nephews, very close cousins, and her church family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crisfield Wesleyan Church on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11 AM. Rev. Robert Daniels will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Crisfield Wesleyan Church, 3065 Lawsonia Road, Crisfield, MD 21817.