Beatrice Hempstead

Beatrice "Bea" Castor Hempstead

Beatrice Castor Hempstead, 90, of Topeka died Monday, May 31, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family. Memorial services will be Thursday, June 3, 10:00 am at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th, Topeka, KS 66603.

Mrs. Hempstead was a retired music teacher and social worker. She retired in 1990 from USD501 Topeka and had previously taught in the Solomon, Kansas and Highland Park school districts. Prior to and after her retirement, she taught private music lessons in Topeka until her final illness. As a young woman, she was a Professional Girl Scout administrator and camp director, and a social worker in Chicago at the Benton Settlement House.

Bea was born November 19, 1919 in Solomon, Kansas; the daughter of L.Z. and Alice Castor. She graduated from Solomon High School in 1938 and from Emporia State Teacher's college with a dual degree in Music Education and English in 1942. She did graduate work at Kansas State University. She was married to Carl W. Hempstead on May 16, 1948 and they moved to Topeka in August 1966. He predeceased her in 1998.

She was a member of KNEA, the Retired Teacher's Association, Past Worthy Matron of Fraternity Chapter 133 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Solomon, Director of Music of Job's Daughter's Bethel 1 in Topeka. She had been a member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral since the family moved to Topeka and was active in the Alter Guild and Daughters of the King.

She is survived by two daughters, Karla Hempstead-Denton of Topeka and Kimberly Hempstead of Olathe; one grandchild, James Carl Denton of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and one great-grandchild.

Inurnment in the Grace Episcopal Columbarium will follow the service. The family has requested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to Grace Cathedral or Midland Care Hospice Services. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.