Former science teacher
Ida Hart Chappell Beaton, 87, of Henrico County, Virginia, passed into eternal life on March 15, 2016, after a long life of faith, service to her community and love for her family.
She was born in Sedley, Southampton County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Romine Sue Camp Chappell and Herbert Hart Chappell. Her parents; and her beloved sisters, Sue Darden Chappell, Rebecca Gillette, Romine Turner and Unity Bailey, predeceased her.
She raised her family in Richmond. Ida Hart was a science teacher for 40 years, in both the Richmond and Chesterfield Public Schools, after her graduation from Madison College in 1949 (now James Madison University), where she served as president of the Student Government Association from 1948 to 1949. Ida Hart was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the honor society for educators. Ida Hart was recognized for her hands on style of teaching, frequently taking groups of her students to points of scientific interest in locations across the country in order to enrich their understanding of the natural environment. She loved the wonder of nature and instilled her love of all aspects of earth science in many of the thousands of students she taught over the years, as well as in her grandchildren. Ida Hart was an avid hiker and camper and found time to fulfill a personal dream of hiking many areas in the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park among many journeys she took to enjoy nature and to fulfill her love of travel. She also undertook post-graduate studies in earth science at California State University at Long Beach, where she pursued study of her interests ranging from the landforms of the Painted Desert, to the habitat and features of the California National Parks, to the rock formations, tides and marine life at Corona Del Mar.
Ida Hart was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and was a cherished friend to many in the community. Ida Hart is survived by her two daughters and their husbands; Patricia DiOrio (Mrs. Francis A. DiOrio) of Cazenovia, and Susan Bennett (Mrs. Robert Y. Bennett) of Richmond, Va. She left behind five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly; Sue Hart Law of Cazenovia, Jason Pierce Law of Cazenovia, Jennie Rhodes Law of Albany, Robert Yelverton Bennett Jr., of New York City, and Alexander Gordon Chappell Bennett of Richmond, Va.
Services will be held in Virginia, later in the spring. Ida Hart leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends, whom she loved dearly. Remembrances may be made to the Erieville, NY Volunteer Fire Department. Ayer & Zimmer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
