Eleanor Caplan Mullen
MULLEN: Eleanor Caplan Mullen, our beautiful mother, died peacefully at the age of 95 on January 23, 2016 in Pittsburgh. Eleanor was the devoted wife of the late Sidney F. Mullen. They were an extraordinary couple sharing a love that lasted 72 years. She was a spectacular mother to her two daughters, Pamela Abrahams and Mallory Finger, as well as her sons-in-law, Mark Finger and the late Howard Abrahams. Eleanor was elegant, kind, funny, smart and self-effacing. She was well known in Squirrel Hill both for her striking looks and gorgeous hair. But it was her kindness and generosity that made her a legend. She always put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. She was a superb listener who gave superb advice. Her empathy was boundless, and she had mind boggling inner strength and intuition. Her memory? It was jaw dropping. Mention the name of anyone, any age, in Pittsburgh and she could tell you their entire family history. Her home reflected her great taste and style. In her 70s Eleanor took painting lessons from her close friend, the late artist, Roberta Davis. Her glorious paintings hang in many friends’ homes as well as in the entryway to Cafe Sam. Eleanor was involved in several charities, one of which was making lunches for those in need. She made 160 sandwiches weekly, which she then delivered to a food pantry. Eleanor was feisty and sharp into her 90s, and her interest in everybody else’s life never waned. She took incredible care of her husband, especially in his last years, while on dialysis herself. Eleanor was the 9th and last child of the late Francis Brenner Caplan and Solomon Baer Caplan. She was predeceased by Ida Hershon, Sayde Lipman, Anne Freed, Samuel Caplan, Sara Louise Leff, Cyril Caplan, Hy Caplan and Betty Liff. Services were held at Sharrey Pardes Accabonac Grove Cemetery in East Hampton, N.Y. Cantor Debra Stein of the Jewish Center of East Hampton officiated. Contributions may be made to Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry, c/o JF&CS, 5743 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated.
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