In the early years of their marriage, Mrs. Caplin worked as a fashion designer in New York. After moving to Charlottesville, where her husband was a professor at the University of Virginia’s law school, she wrote, directed, designed and sewed costumes for children’s plays in the local public schools….Among other philanthropic initiatives, the Caplins donated $4 million for the creation of the 300-seat Ruth Caplin Theatre, which opened at the University of Virginia last year. Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Mortimer Caplin '40 of Chevy Chase…  ...