Elisabeth Caplen 1930-2026

Born Nov. 19, 1930, in Nuremberg, Germany, Elisabeth survived WWII, but she only spoke of courage and strength from that hardship and the others she faced throughout her life. There was never a time when she did not thank God for a new day, speak with a positive outlook or have a smile on her face.

While in Germany, she held various jobs, to include working in a toy factory and building and testing carburetors for Harley-Davidson. Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1958, she taught herself how to speak, read and write English. Later, she studied and became an American citizen on Aug. 24, 2003.

Coming to the United States, she acquired a work visa and was employed by a prominent family.

She later met her husband on April Fools’ Day at a parking garage where he was employed, and soon after, they were married and began their life in Youngstown.

Elisabeth referred to herself as a “domestic engineer.” She worked extremely hard, continuing to cook and clean in private homes and growing her clients from word of mouth. Those who employed her loved her and eventually became her extended family.

Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt was a devout Catholic and attended Mass weekly. In later years, when she could no longer attend in person, she faithfully watched Mass on TV every Sunday and read her daily prayer book. She always kept God close in her heart.

Following in Jesus’ footsteps, she led a full life of servitude, putting the needs of the poor and others before her own. So many were touched by her generosity, whether through monetary donations, a helping hand or a home-cooked meal on the table. She always extended some form of kindness to ease your hardship.

She mastered the skills of knitting and crocheting and was an expert seamstress who was able to sew, mend and design even without a pattern. As an avid gardener, she had a green thumb and could make any plant flourish. She took such pride caring for her flower and vegetable gardens and the gardens of those she worked for. Everyone loved her from the moment they met her and would comment on how sweet and thoughtful she was. She treated everyone with love and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

She will lovingly be remembered and missed by her son, Peter Osti; daughters, Kathryn (Mark Sr.) Palladino, Mary Ann Caplen and Anna Marie Ruscitti; grandchildren, Alexzender Jeremiah Smith and Elijah Osti Doerkson (Canada), Shareen Abdelnasser, Zacharaya Abdelnasser, Nicholas Palladino and Rachael (Michael II) O’Laughlin; great-grandson, Cillian O’Laughlin; stepgrandson, Mark (Amanda) Palladino Jr.; step-great-granddaughters, Rylee Marino and MarKenna Palladino; niece, Anita Narywonczyk; great-nephew, Aaron Narywonczyk (Australia); and nephew, Manfred Sollner (Germany), whom she loved so very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony W. Caplen Jr.; parents, Richard and Matilda Born (Germany); and siblings, Annie (Paul) Narywonczyk (Australia), Hilda Sollner, Simon Born, Paul Born and Michael Born (Germany).

Family and friends may pay their respects to Liz 9 until 10:25 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be a prayer service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L., V.G., as celebrant.

Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

We are grateful for the care and compassion extended by the doctors, nurses and staff of Hospice House of Boardman during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Care.org.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to Elisabeth’s family.

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