Ida M. Equels

Ida Marie Equels, 87 of Bridgewater, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on September, 23, 2022. Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1935, she was the daughter of the late Elmer, Sr. and Mildred (Goll) McKenry. A graduate of Rochester High School and Grove City College, Ida taught history and geography at New Brighton Middle School. She said “yes” to the boy-next-door Wayne, and started a family. She returned to her love of teaching in later years, working as a substitute teacher in Freedom, Beaver and Monaca districts. She was involved in her Bridgewater Community, and was a previous member of the Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized, married and ordained as a deacon and elder. She also served with the PTA of Bridgewater Elementary School. In addition to her husband Wayne (2008) and parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Jane McKenry and Janet Jones. She is survived by her daughter, Allison L. Equels, Bridgewater, PA; brother, Elmer (Julia) McKenry Jr., Freedom PA; and sister-in-law, Donna Beatty, Springfield, Missouri; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ida loved history, traveling, reading, being on water, fishing, beer-n-pizza night, gardening, the Steelers and Penguins and her boys, Simon and Ozzy. She had a vast knowledge of Bridgewater history and enjoyed sharing it. Above all, she was an amazing wife and mother, who conducted her life with great spirit, strength, love and faith in God. She will be incredibly missed, but always remembered with the deepest of love. Special love and thanks to the Gallagher Hospice group: Andrea, Josalyn, Dave, and all, for your wonderful care and compassion. Thank you also to Dr. Michael Oliver and staff for years of care. Special love to our Ohana: Mike, Suzanne, Brenda and Mark, Trisha, Gabe and Conner, Chris and Ron, Toni, Karen and Andrea. Your ongoing love, prayers and support have been true blessings to us. As per her wishes, cremation will take place. Friends will be received Thursday, September 29 from 10:00 AM until time of the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM in the NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC., 333 3rd Street, Beaver, PA. Interment will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ida’s memory to the Beaver County Humane Society, Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) or a charitable group that gives you joy. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11: 25-26.