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Lydia SHIPMAN Obituary
She always wanted travel and took great joy in her grandchildren. Lydia was born in St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 3, 1939. Her parents were Anna Gutenberg Goltzman and Jacob Goltzman. She was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lake Charles, La., with her brother, Joseph.
She went to College at Washington University in St. Louis and received a Bachelor's Degree in Education. It was in St. Louis, she met her husband to be, Floyd Shipman. We were married June 25, 1961, and then relocated to the Tidewater area where she lived the remainder of her life. Lydia taught Reading, Math and Science for more than 30 years to students in the public schools. She went on to achieve a Master's Degree in reading. Even after her retirement she continued to volunteer in the schools. She had always considered herself an artist working first with paints and later with clay. Her works were always distinctive and identifiable as Lydia Shipman creations.
She was quite active in Temple Sinai, serving as principal of the religious school for many years. She served the Jewish Community in many positions. She particularly took great enjoyment working with the Women's American ORT, Temple Sinai Sisterhood, the Council of Jewish Women and the Southern Jewish Historical Society. After we retired we were able to enjoy trips to Alaska, Southwest U.S. and the West Coast.
Lydia took great joy in her three children, their spouses and children: Jeffery Shipman, his wife, Deborah, and their children, Caitlin, Zachary and Kyle; Adam Shipman, his wife, Stephanie, and their children, Andrew and Sophie; Gideon Shipman, his wife, Amy, and their children, Calihsta, Blythe and Jonah.
A memorial service will be held at noon Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Temple Sinai by Rabbi Scott Gurdin. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Lydia Shipman Educational Fund, 11620 Warwick Blvd., NN, VA 23601.
Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lydia SHIPMAN
Desiree
February 16, 2023
Ms. Shipman was my 6th grade teacher many moons ago. She was actually a good teacher and I can still remember her smell(In a good way). Funny she mustve reall had an umpact on me I still remeber her first name. I dont know what mad me think of her today. May she continue to rest in peace.
Elizabeth Greenberg
May 30, 2010
My Mom, Rebecca, and I would like to express our most sincere condolences. We are very sad to hear the news of Mrs. Shipman's passing. I can recall a few years ago, when she invited my Dad and I over to the house so that I could see the ceramics studio she had made for herself. I had been a ceramics student at VCU, and had moved back home at the time. My Dad thought it would be a neat idea for me to see her work. Mrs. Shipman generously offered to let me come over and use her potter's wheel and kiln. She had such enthusiasm, and was so eager to share her love of ceramics. I not only have memories of her from Temple Sinai, but from Gildersleeve as well. We are so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Sarina Greenberg
Valrie Adelman Blaes
May 29, 2010
I remember Mrs. Shipman and her sons when my sisters and I would go to the JCC pool in the summertime when we were kids. I am so very sorry for your loss; please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Leone Harrison
May 28, 2010
My condolences to Lydia's family.
I took an art class with Lydia, and I was empress by her enthusiasm about creating something new. She was very generous sharing her paints in order that everybody in the class could create some beautiful batik.Her love of art was contagious.She had such a positive influence on the class, and I remember her with lots of good memories.
Collin Scott
May 27, 2010
I loved Lydia and her enthusiasm about whatever project she had her attention turned to at the moment. Her creative energy was boundless and her interests were many. She enriched my life and I am grateful to have known her. She will indeed be missed.
May 27, 2010
Shipman Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Shipman made a lasting impact on my life as my teacher at Gildersleeve MS. She will be remebered fondly.
With sympathy,
Tiffany (Diamond) Parrish
Amy Copeland Campbell
May 27, 2010
I rarely read the obituaries, but something told me to read them today. Mrs. Shipman was my fifth grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School. I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I can still remember how she helped me when I had a case of badly chapped lips. She was very caring like that. It just goes to show you it is the simple things in life that you remember. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Valentine
May 27, 2010
Mrs. Lydia Shipman was my mother's (Gladys Valentine) dear friend. They were both educators in the Newport News public schools for many years. I remember her fondly from my youth. I am praying with your family during this time.
May 27, 2010
Dear Shipman family,
Mrs Shipman taught me in the te fifth grade when being jewish was not the way to be. I will never forget when she pulled me in the hallway and said be proud of who we are and never forget the hardships.It was at that moment I realized that being jewish was something to be proud of. Rest in peace, Mrs. Shipman
Rev. Richard L. Brown
May 27, 2010
To Adam and the Shipman Family:
Throughout my years in the Newport News Public School System, I found Lydia full of energy and possessing a great love for teaching. She loved her students, and they loved her. My prayer for you and your family is that the Holy Spirit will engulf you with His peace, strength, comfort, and love. Treasure the memories!
May 27, 2010
Dear Shipman Family, especially Adam and Stephanie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Her picture in the paper, as well as her obiturary, spoke vloumes about her love and joy for life, for her family, friends, and loved ones. This joy she passed to each of you, and I will always be grateful for having had Adam share that gift with me as he helped my AVID students. Although you will miss her earthly presence, you will have her forever in your hearts and in your memories, which will allow you to visit with her as often as you desire. Take care of one another as your travel through the grief.
Blessings, peace and love,
Ivy D. Lee, Denbigh High School
Donna Wilson
May 26, 2010
Dear Mr. Shipman and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you during this difficult time. My hope is that pleasant memories of Lydia will replace your sadness as time passes, and that you take some comfort in knowing what a full life she lived and the knowledge that she had such a wonderful influence on so many people whose lives she touched. I will continue to enjoy her beautiful painting that hangs in our dental office. My prayers are with you.
May 26, 2010
Dear Mr.Shipman & Family,
My name is Betty (Sherberg ) Levy. Lydia lived in my mothers home in St. Louis MO before you were married. I remember being at your wedding. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Betty Levy
Dan & Margaret Fonner
May 26, 2010
Adam & Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenya Brown-Burden
May 26, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Shipman's passing. She was my 6th grade teacher at Huntington Middle School. I remember her smile and always wanting the best for her students. She always had such an eclectic style and marched to the beat of her own drum. There were many people who inspired me to go into the education field and Mrs. Shipman was one of those people. I will continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.
Ellen Sonenthal
May 26, 2010
ydia was always true to herself and whereever she went, there was laughter. She is missed and I cherish the picture she painted for me years ago. I also remember fondly, the trip to Newport News in the summer when of '63. Of course, we have lots of information about Kitty Hawk, Williamsburg, the ocean, and everywhere else we visisted as Lydia insisted we write a journal. She will be missed.
Ellen Sonenthal
Lisa Kaplan
May 26, 2010
To the Shipman Family,
Mrs. Shipman was my 5th grade teacher at Riverside Elementary as well as a family friend. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I haven't seen her in decades but remember her laugh like it was yesterday.
Kara Lentz
May 26, 2010
Adam and Family,
I am saddened by your loss and wanted you to know I am thinking of you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nicole Russell
May 26, 2010
To The Shipman Family
I am deeply sorry,to hear of your loss. Mrs. Shipman was my favorite 6th grade science teacher at Huntington Middle School back in(1986). She was a great role model for a teacher she always, made sure her students excelled above and beyond in all that they did and never fail!!!! I still have long-lasting memories of her always, saying to her students in the class.... "I do not believe in the vocabulary words of "I can't do it!!!" However, only gave a huge smile :)when you replied, "I can do it!!!" or "I will try" She had a compassionate, sweet personality/spirit about herself as a teacher/friend. She will be greatly missed but,forever kept in my heart!!! May God bless/comfort all of you during this difficult time!!!
I REMEMBER YOU IN MY PRAYERS AT ALL TIMES... Romans 1:9
Jim and Diane Smail
May 26, 2010
Jeff, Deborah and family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff's mother. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jacquelyne Green
May 26, 2010
Dear Shipman Family,
Please accept our families deepest condolences. Mrs. Shipman taught my children when they were younger. She always had a very nice and pleasant way about her. I enjoyed her great sense of humor. She always saw the best in you as a student she took great pride in her teaching. She will be greatly missed. Shipman family stay encouraged.....and God Bless you....
Mrs. Jackie Green and Family
Sandra Keefe
May 26, 2010
Dear Shipman Family,
I was very saddened to hear of Lydia's passing. She was a wonderful teacher to our Erin in Fifth Grade at Riverside School in the early Seventies, and then she and I became teaching colleagues and friends. Over the years, we would share at workshops and other events. Her students adored her, and she was a gifted teacher, artist and compassionate human being. May God's Love wrap you in peace.
Laura Laudon
May 26, 2010
Adam & Family,
You, more than ever, are in our thoughts and hearts. I will remember Mrs. Shipman fondly as she beamed with pride at your wedding. That is the image we will keep with us, certainly it will be one of many for you. With Love, Laura, Alix, Mary & Katie.
May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010
Wish we could be there with all of you. We feel sad that Lydia had such a difficult year. She deserved so much more. We´re with you in spirit and thoughts.
Helaine & Jay Yorktown, VA
Floyd Shipman
May 26, 2010
Thank you neighbors, Mah Jong group, Temple Members, School Teachers, Peninsula Fine Arts potters and painters, NASA/ACD Alumni, Life Long Learners, and the many others I have missed for the vigil and making Lydia's last days and hours happy and rich with friendship and memories.
Floyd Shipman
May 26, 2010
To Floyd and the Shipman family - My deepest sympathy to you all. Lydia was a very special person who will be missed by all. Larry Chenkin, NN
Tina Hawks Buchanan
May 26, 2010
I was saddened to read of the passing of Mrs. Shipman. She was my fifth grade math teacher at Riverside elementary many years ago. She was such a caring person and a wonderful teacher who never hesitated to provide extra help when needed! My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Temple Stewart
May 26, 2010
Mrs.Shipman was my favorite teacher. She was my third grade teacher at the Lab School at Hampton Institute. Just yesterday I was telling my students about the fun things we did in her class. May the family be comforted by knowing that Mrs.Shipman touched so many lives.
Michael Golieb
May 26, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Adam Shipman
May 26, 2010
My family appricaites all the well wishes from the people who remember mom. we will remember her as the creative vibraint person she was.
Donna Mizell
May 26, 2010
Jeff, Deborah and the entire Shipman family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
May 26, 2010
Sorry to hear about Lydia's passing. We remember hanging out at the JCC pool when our children were little. We also remember seeing each other at the theatre events at CNU. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Floyd and your children and grandchildren. We will have been a better person for having knowing her. Sincerely Howard & Ernestine Adelman
Sarah Phillips
May 26, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Shipman family. Her willingness to share her artistic talents to fellow students at PFAC will be missed. Rest in Peace Lydia.
Amy Kartage
May 26, 2010
Floyd and the Shipman Family--
Ted and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. Lydia was a wonderful, loving person and will be missed by everyone.
All our sympathy--
Mary Ann Hutchinson
May 26, 2010
Dear Shipman Family,
I never taught with Lydia during the regular school year, but she and I had a great time teaching Title I summer school together for several years.We created some fun lesson plans. We also shared stories of our families. Lydia was always so upbeat and enjoyed life. Whenever we ran into each other, we had a great time catching up.Her passing is such a loss.We share in your grief. God bless all of you!
Eleanor Hill
May 26, 2010
Floyd, I was so sad to learn of Lydia's
passing. She was such a pleasure and joy to be with. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Eleanor Hill
Eileen Chadis Wood
May 26, 2010
So sorry to hear about Lydia's passing. I will not be able to attend the funeral as I have my last clay class at the UJCVP preschool that day. I treasure my pieces of Lydia's pottery. The last piece we swapped for one of my hand crocheted yarmulkahs she special ordered for her grandson's bar mitzvah. It was a splurge for me, so I was thrilled to make the kippah for him. She ordered it years before the bar mitzvah! She was a wonderful artist, teacher and person. I remember her compassion when we met at Gildersleeve, when my boys were little. I also loved reconnecting with her on facebook. She will be missed by many.
Scott & Mary Lou Wagner
May 25, 2010
We are so sorry to read of your loss of Lydia, we will always remember her from our days at Windsor Great Park. She was a lovely lady who influenced the lives of many people. She will be greatly missed. We are out of town and will miss the Memorial Service . . . we learned of her death from Stephen. Our best to all members of the family
Tony Alter
May 25, 2010
I will miss Lydia - I learned a lot from her and enjoyed the pottery classes we shared. She was one of a kind.
May 25, 2010
"Lydia was such a vibrant person who took pleasure in everything around her. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her."
Kathy Pickering, Williamsburg, VA
Susan Yager
May 25, 2010
As a fellow artist, I will remember Lydia for her persistent pursuit of the next form, the next technique, the next medium… and for the breadth of her artistic achievements. In the classes we took together, she was always upbeat, interested in others, and eager to share information. During my recent visit with her at the hospital she was the same upbeat, interested, sharing person. I felt that her soul was at peace. I’m glad I was able to spend some time with her before she left us.
Rebecca
May 25, 2010
Mrs.Shipman was my science teacher many years ago at Huntington Middle School she made a big impact on my life. Rest in peace to such a wonderful teacher!
Rhonda Graves
May 25, 2010
There is an empty wheel at the pottery studio. I will miss her words of encouragement, her sense of humor and her gentle spirit. I will try to throw a little Lydia in all my pots.
May 25, 2010
Lydia's memory will always live through the beautiful paintings and pottery she created and graciously gave away. She was a good friend and
and she will be missed greatly.
Barbara and Stu Flechner
Jean Skorupa
May 25, 2010
Dear Family, I am sorry for your loss. I was always pleased to have her for a friend. And I was pleased to have taught her sons. She always kept me up to date on what you were doing and about your children. God Bless.
Ruth Gold Williams
May 25, 2010
To a very lovely, compationate Lady who was always there when you needed her. The words"no I can't do it" did not excist in her vocabulary.
Our Majong games and lunches were always enjoyable and great fun.
You will be greatly missed.
Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Your friend, Ruth Gold Williams
Janet Holden
May 25, 2010
Dear Shipman family,
Our son, Matt, plays soccer with Zachary and we are so sorry to learn of his grandmother's passing. We will be thinking of and praying for all of you during this difficult time. God bless you.
The Holdens
May 25, 2010
Dear Floyd and Family of Lydia Shipman, I want the world to know what a jewel Lydia is to her busband, her family, her community, her profession, her congrgation, and her friends. Her "artistry" of thoughtfulness and generosity cannot be measured in words. It is boundless. In the hospital last week she was giving us all orders to continue to preserve all that she loved and treasured. With heartfelt sorrow, I extend my love, respect and condolences to her family and friends.
Very sincerely, Joanne Kates Roos, Yorktown, Virginia
Chad Farr
May 25, 2010
Jeff and Debbie- We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Kindest Regards, Chad and Heather Farr
Pam Sholar
May 25, 2010
Mrs. Shipman was my 6th grade teacher at Huntington Middle School in 1985/86. I've thought of her often over the many, many years since then. She was always very nice and caring. For some reason, I always remembered fondly the necklaces she used to wear to school everyday. May she rest in peace and may God bless her family always.
Tina Bonney
May 25, 2010
To the Shipman Family!
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Ms Lydia! The one thing I remember and enjoy looking at each time I pass your home is the beautiful flowers and plants. She will always be remembered. I also remember the red vehicles with the Shipman name on them as I was able to sell you the red accord. Memories will strengthen you in the days to come.
Peninsula Honda
Hampton, VA. 23666
jack/barbara seligman
May 25, 2010
floyd. we are sorry that we will be unable to attend the memorial sevice. we will keep you in our thoughts and will always remember lydia as a caring, spirited individual. jack and barbara
Dr. Stanley P. Jones
May 25, 2010
Dear Shipman Family,
Lydia was a great teacher and a good person. Not only were we science educator colleagues but I had the opportunity to teach Jeffrey. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. I feel priveledged to have known her and your family.
Rhonda Graves
May 25, 2010
There is an empty wheel at the pottery studio. I miss her words of encouragement, her laugh and her gentle spirit. I will try to throw a little of Lydia into all my pots.
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