NJ teacher who devoted 45 years to helping students with disabilities leaves them $1M
Teachers work hard for little pay to educate the next generation of thinkers, making them the backbone of society. But many teachers have trouble paying their own bills with their low salaries. This was the case at one school in Dumont, New Jersey, but they got a shocking surprise after the d.e.a.t.h of one beloved teacher.
Genevieve Via Cava of Dumont, New Jersey, worked as a special-education teacher for 45 years. According to CNN, even after her retirement in the ’90s, she continued to visit her former school district and former students, sometimes even popping in to classes.
She was known for her frugal ways, as she clipped coupons, didn’t wear flashy clothes, and had no close family.
After over four decades of teaching, Genevieve retired in 1990 but still stayed close to the school community. Unfortunately, She passed away in 2011 at the old age of 88.
But that wasn’t the end of her contributions to the school. Dumont Public Schools earlier this year received a $1 million check from the estate of beloved instructor Genevieve Via Cava.
Through her frugal living, which she had learned growing up during the Great Depression, she managed to save enough over her teaching career to give back a huge contribution to the school.
School superintendent Emanuele Triggiano calls Via Cava’s gift “a blessing.”
In her frequent visits, Via Cava had told Triggiano about her passion for her students and how much she liked working at Dumont.
“One day she quietly told me she accumulated a large sum of money and she planned on donating it,” said Triggiano, who was pleased but didn’t give it much thought at the time.
Triggiano told NorthJersey.com that Via Cava’s money will create a scholarship fund to help special-needs students seek post-secondary education. One student will receive a yearly award of up to $25,000.
Via Cava’s devotion to her students and her community literally warms our hearts, and thanks to her gift, her inspirational legacy will live on for years to come.
Source:apost.com, pix11.com, hellogiggles.com
