Elsa Lee (Kaplan) Wheelock

WORCESTER – Elsa Lee (Kaplan) Wheelock (Elli) (Kappy), retired Worcester City Hospital Registered Nurse, died peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Irving A. and Yetta B. (Bretholtz) Kaplan. Elsa is survived by her daughter Andrea I. Wheelock of Hudson, MA; her son, Dr. Andrew G. Wheelock and his wife, Danielle of Auburn; her brother Edward B. Kaplan and his wife, Ree of Tulsa, OK; and her cherished grandchildren William and Avery. She also leaves many cousins and numerous friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her uncle and aunt, David and Celia (Bretholtz) Kaplan.

Elsa spent her working life caring for others through nursing. When her body no longer allowed, she carried on her selflessness by volunteering at Rhodes to Recovery in Millbury, Ma., and by preparing food that she would deliver to the homeless throughout the city. She found her daily peace through her faith in God, spending time with loved ones and by giving to others. Whether you were a friend or stranger, she met you with a smile.

“Do not weep, do not cry, it was God’s appointed time for me to die.
For unto everything there is a season, we may not know the reason.
If you truly want to remember me, do something for someone you see.
If you want to continue my voice, give to the charity of your choice.
If you do not have one in mind, here are two of a different kind:”

Temple Emanuel Sinai, (either to the Bretholtz or the Wolpert Funds), 661 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 ( www.emanuelsinai.org ), or to Why Me and Sherry’s House, 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602 ( www.whyme.org ).

“I wish to be remembered as when I was around, and not when my body is placed in the ground.”

Funeral Services will be private at B’nai Brith Cemetery in Worcester. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.