2 Educators Leave $218,390 to School

The late Paul and Hazel Massey, Oxnard educators for many years, will continue to help children through a bequest of $218,390 to Fremont Intermediate School.

Massey, principal of the school for 25 years, died five years ago, and his wife, a former elementary schoolteacher, died more than a year ago.

“They were two absolutely delightful people,” said Dorothie Sterling, a retired teacher and trustee with the Oxnard Elementary School District school board.

“They were husband and wife who were also best friends. They were gentle, outgoing people who had no children of their own, but all children were part of their family.”

Sterling said the Masseys were kind and generous to everyone who crossed their path.

“This wonderful gift is so typical of the type of people they were,” she said. “They took care of children all their lives and they’re still doing it now. It was their life’s work to educate children, and it continues with this wonderful and generous gift.”

The Oxnard district has approved the recommendations of a committee--made up of staff members and community representatives--that determined how to spend the gift.

The bequest will go for band instruments, a weight machine, library books, library computers, three art display boards, an outdoor physical fitness course, science lab rehabilitation, acknowledgment plaques, library rehabilitation--including furniture, flooring and other improvements--and an outdoor lunch area, including covering and tables.