RACINE – Mrs. Rose Kaprelian, 97, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on July 18, 2022.

She was born in Racine on June 24, 1925, the daughter of the late Toros and Vartuhy Madaghian and graduated from William H. Horlick High School.

She was married to Edward Kaprelian on Feb. 9, 1946, at St. Mesrob Armenian Church on State Street and remained members throughout their lives.  He preceded her in death on December 22, 2019.

Mrs. Kaprelian was employed by Gordon Maier & Co. as a bookkeeper before her marriage. She was then a homemaker and worked out of her home sewing draperies for various stores in Racine and Whitewater. Mrs. Kaprelian opened Act II women's resale shop at 610 College Ave. in 1975 and ran the business until retiring in 2008 at age 83.

Mrs. Kaprelian was known and loved as "Doctor Rose" by her staff and customers at Act II. She was always on hand to lend an ear and offer advice from health and nutrition, to fashion and spirituality. Her care and attention to her customers is noted in the story of one Saturday afternoon. A good client came to Act II wondering if there might be a hat to match a dress she was wearing later that day to a wedding.      Mrs. Kaprelian didn't have one in the store but thought one she personally owned would be perfect. She went home, got the hat and loaned it to her customer for the event. She was all about being a good friend, and having wonderful customer service.

Mrs. Kaprelian enjoyed her church friends and family, reading, puzzles and an occasional sewing project.

She was involved in PTA and Sunday School when her children were growing up. She organized the Retirees Club at St. Mesrob and the group still meets monthly. Mrs. Kaprelian volunteered her sewing talents to many groups in Racine, sewing costumes for theatrical and dance recitals.

She moved into St. Monica's in October 2021 and spent her time there meeting new friends and enjoying the many activities they offered.

Mrs. Kaprelian leaves to cherish her memory, her sisters, Elizabeth Derderian and Margaret Madaghian of Methuen, MA; her children, Janet (Joseph) Mrazek of Racine, Claudia Kalinoski of Racine, William (Susan Elrod) Kaprelian of South Bend, Indiana; special niece, Eileen Kamakian; grandchildren, Magill (Garrett McKnight) Weber, Ryan (Lussia Kamberian) Weber, Caitlin Kalinoski, Alyssa (Travis) Peck, Marina (Chris) Volkman and Michael Kaprelian; and great grandchildren Hudson and Hannah Peck, and Aren Weber.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church (4605 Erie Street) on Monday, AUGUST 1, 2022, for a visitation from 10-11 AM.   Her funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Fr. Avedis Kalayjian and Fr. Yeprem Kelegian officiating.  Her interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery after the service.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church.