Sandra Massa-Lavitt was a treasure

IN MEMORIAM

Anna Derby

LW contributor

Leisure World lost a treasure last week. Sandra Massa-Lavitt of Mutual 5 died May 1. She was known to many in this community, having lived here for 35 years, serving as the mayor of Seal Beach and in many other capacities.

I knew her as a friend and neighbor, and a great supporter of both the Sunshine Club and Golden Age Foundation (GAF). She was always involved and dedicated.

Sandra volunteered for the GAF for a several years, working as the hospitality chair. Eventually, she became a board member until she was elected to the Seal Beach City Council.

She joined the Sunshine Club at the very beginning. When the club had its first rummage sale in October 2013, Sandra worked to raise funds and gladly accepted the role of treasurer to take care of the club's finances. Her oversight contributed much to the club’s success. One of my fondest memories— and one our members still talk about—was when she came to the Sunshine Club meeting as a city council member, usually unannounced because she happened have a break in her busy schedule.

She would share what was going on in the City of Seal Beach. It was a unique privilege to have her, as a Seal Beach offi cial, take time out of her busy day to keep us informed.

Sunshine Club and GAF members will dearly miss her, and so will the many people who frequent the GRF Hospitality Center in Clubhouse 6. I’ll always remember Sandra sitting at the table socializing with neighbors.

She was a star at the center after she finished her two terms as a city council member, and all of us will miss her cheerful company and positive support.

Anna Derby founded and leads the Sunshine Club and is president of the Golden Age Foundation.