On February 13, 2022, our dear friend Zina Kaplan went to be with the Lord. She was born on November 15, 1971 in the city of Gomel', Belarus. She graduated from the State University with a degree in electronic engineering; the only female student in her class. In 2002, she immigrated to the US to reunite with her brother, Leonid. She was very proud of becoming an American citizen several years later. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC.

Both in her home country and in America her life was not easy. She was raised in an orphanage, lost her husband to cancer, took care of her autistic child, and was a cancer survivor herself. She never complained, and was the source of encouragement to anyone who needed help. She was a selfless, compassionate and generous person, loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her church family and Russian-speaking community are sorrowed by her passing.

Zina is survived by her brother, Leonid; and son, Dennis.

A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 o'clock, on Tuesday, February 15th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The service for Mrs. Kaplan will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, February 19th, at First Presbyterian Church, Smith Chapel, 1420 Washington Street, Columbia, SC. The Rev. David H. Lauten will officiate. Burial will follow in the churchyard.