Elizabeth Dawn (Stanford) Caplis, of Sylvan Township, Michigan, age 75, passed away on March 28, 2023 following a brief cancer diagnosis. She was born on August 14, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of Walter and Charlotte (Finck) Stanford. Dawn married Thomas Edward Caplis, who precedes her in death.
Dawn raised her three children with Thomas before beginning a career in medical records at the University of Michigan Hospital. She was an instructor at Baker College. In later years, she served on the planning commission for Sylvan Township and as a trustee for the Chelsea District Library. Growing up in a military family, she lived in England, Spain, and Savannah, Georgia and loved to travel. She would also be found gardening, quilting, and card-making with family and friends.
Dawn is survived by her three children, Jennifer Caplis (Dr. Mark Bortolussi) of Marshall, MI, John (Dr. Laura) Caplis of Alpena, MI, and Robert Caplis of Chelsea, MI; three grandchildren, Connor, Jack, and Claire Caplis; and her siblings in Maryland: Doris Stanford, Frances Haslup, Michael Stanford, Dolores Ward, and Kimberly Whalon. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas Stanford.
Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Interment will commence at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. Family will receive friends at church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea Religious Education, as her faith helped her remain courageous throughout her life; you may call the church at 734-475-7561 or online at stmarychelsea.weshareonline.org. Contributions may also be made to support the Palliative Care Gift Fund at the University of Michigan; you may also call 734-764-6777 or online at victors.us/dawncaplis.
The family thanks the providers at Michigan Medicine, particularly the Palliative Care team, along with the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice who cared for Dawn in her final days.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
