The Life and Legacy of Virginia Celeste Ellett

Community Leader, Teacher & Visionary

The effervescent Virginia Ellett inspired many people with her steadfast commitment to learning and helping others. She was a strong and independent woman who lived life to the fullest. An educator at heart, she loved teaching math and science, breaking new ground for young people in and out of the classroom. Her dear friend and cousin, Carol Beam, explains, “Virginia found STEM long before it was cool.” Her regular donations to Sheltering Arms were inspired by an enduring belief in the hospital’s mission.

Born March 1, 1927, Virginia was raised in Hanover County. In her youth, she excelled in math and chemistry which blossomed into a lifelong passion. She was the consummate science teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School; her generosity led to the founding of the Mathematics and Science Center in 1966, which served students in the metro Richmond area. Throughout her life, she enjoyed history, staying active with the Colonial Dames, the Jamestown Society, and the

Tuckahoe Women’s Club. Thanks to her enduring spirit of helping others, Virginia was an integral part of the Florence Nightingale Circle. Over the years, Virginia’s support of SAI and final bequest demonstrated her generous spirit.

Virginia’s outgoing personality and joy of life continued to shine brightly when she moved into Cedarfield retirement community in the 1990’s. Her creativity sparked many interests from card making, cross stitching, scrapbooking to producing glass art. Virginia pursued these interests with enthusiasm, making friends easily. Carol explains, “Virginia never met a stranger. She loved people and would always strike up a conversation wherever she went.”

Virginia championed higher education by funding the Lina McGee and John A. Ellett Scholarship in 2000 which supported a college student, majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, or math at the University of Richmond. This scholarship was named in honor of her parents. Another generous donation created the Director of Education position at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Virginia was a forward thinker and strong woman reminiscent of Sheltering Arms founder Rebekah Peterkin. Her incredible generosity to the campaign to build Sheltering Arms Institute hospital led to the dedication of the Science Lab in her honor. Virginia’s legacy lives on in our facilities and inspires us to support the greater good in our communities.

Carol and Virginia enjoyed a wonderful friendship; connecting through a shared love of math, science, history, the outdoors, animals, and family genealogy. Carol says, “Virginia used to call me each evening before she went to bed, and we would catch up on our day.” She adds, “Virginia was a strong Christian who enjoyed supporting community organizations.”

In 2017, Virginia made an unexpected donation to Sheltering Arms Foundation. Lisa Resch, Director of Donor Relations, says, “I picked up the phone to thank her for this wonderful gift. She was very familiar with the hospital, having been a part of the Nightingale Circle. She invited Mac (Foundation President) and I to lunch at Cedarfield.” For Lisa, the connection was immediate. That lunch also happened to be Virginia’s 91st birthday which made it even more special. “I was hypnotized and inspired by Ms. Ellett. She was so positive and full of southern charm. She was also an amazing storyteller,” says Lisa who saw Virginia as an innovator ahead of her time.

A friendship was born between Virginia and Lisa that became meaningful to both women. “On my next trip to Cedarfield, I had the pleasure of going to her apartment where she showed me her many collections. She had University of Richmond pillboxes, a cat collection and numerous craft items.”

“I love my job and the many ways I’m able to make new connections, especially over shared interests.”

Florence Nightingale Circle

The Florence Nightingale Circle was the first Sheltering Arms Auxiliary. It was formed in 1910 to raise money for the benefit of Sheltering Arms nurses. In the early years, Circle members raised funds to renovate and refurbish nursing quarters. Their work evolved to include materials for nursing education and during World War II helping nurses on the floor. From their founding they were also dedicated to helping patients heal and recover. They would visit patients bearing gifts and flowers. The Nightingale Circle is part of Sheltering Arms history, but the volunteer spirit of their members lives on through our volunteer program.

If you would like additional information on volunteering with Sheltering Arms please contact Michael Greene­Russell, mgreene­russell@shelteringarms.com or (804) 432­4327.

Her cousin and longtime friend, Carol Beam selected the Science Lab, to recognize Ms. Ellett’s longtime support of Sheltering Arms Institute hospital and a lifetime of dedication to science, teaching and children.

Estate Planning

The vast majority of legacy gifts to nonprofits are made not through annuities and other financial arrangements requiring the nonprofit’s management, but through wills and devices, such as living trusts and beneficiary designations on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other financial and investment instruments.

Over the past five years, Sheltering Arms Foundation has realized more than $2.5 million in estate gifts. These gifts have impacted many programs and projects, including the campaign.

When you notify us of your intent to include Sheltering Arms in your estate plans you become part of our Clifton House Circle, honoring our very first location in 1889.

Information included is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or tax advisor for such advice.

To learn more about making a planned gift to Sheltering Arms Foundation please contact Kelly del Campo Merricks, kmerricks@ shelteringarms.com or (804) 342­4132.

- Thank you to Ms. Virginia Ellett