Hamilton, Virginia A. Sidwell

Virginia A. Sidwell Hamilton, 93, formerly of 262 Black Springs Circle, Iowa City, died Friday, April 23, 2010, at Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City.

Virginia A. Sidwell was born Nov. 25, 1916, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Bertha (Hall) Sidwell. A lifelong resident of Iowa City, following graduation from Iowa City University High School she attended and received her BA degree in education from the University of Iowa. She taught school in the Wyoming School District before marrying Dr. Henry E. Hamilton on August 10, 1940, in Iowa City. She was a devoted wife and mother. They raised their family in Iowa City, where she was very involved with the lives of her children and also in the community. Virginia was an active supporter in the League of Women Voters, Project Green, The Nature Conservancy and at the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Virginia was also an ardent researcher of Iowa City history and family genealogy.

Her family includes four sons and their wives, Dr. Gurdon Hubbard Hamilton and LuAnn of Stevens Point, Wis., Branson Sidwell Hamilton and Anne of Chester, N.J., Dr. Raymond Mackenzie Hamilton and Patricia of Maquoketa, and Douglas William Beye Hamilton and Jennifer of Fairfield; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Josephine Mann of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers and one sister.

Virginia's remains are cremated and Virginia's family plan to have services at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Virginia's family and her arrangements.