Former secretary amassed hidden $12 million wealth over seven decades

SYLVIA Bloom was a secretary for 67 years. But when she died, family and friends were shocked to learn she was worth a fortune.

SYLVIA Bloom lived a frugal life — but by the time she died at the age of 96, she had quietly amassed a whopping $12 million fortune.

Ms Bloom, from Brooklyn in the US, worked as a legal secretary for the Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton law firm for 67 years.

She was known for her thrifty ways, taking the subway to work each day — even on the day of the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Following the 9/11 attack, the then 84-year-old returned home by bus, refusing to splurge on a cab even as the city panicked.

Ms Bloom was born to European immigrants and grew up during the Great Depression. She attended public schools and studied at college by night while working during the day to make ends meet.

She lived modestly with her husband Raymond Margolies, who died in 2002, and the couple had no children.

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Niece Jane Lockshin, the executor of her aunt’s estate, said it was “very possible” Mr Margolies had no idea about his wife’s incredible fortune, as the money was kept in a number of bank accounts under her own name.

Ms Lockshin told The New York Times discovering her aunt’s fortune had been an “oh my God moment”.

“She was a secretary in an era when they ran their boss’s lives, including their personal investments,” Ms Lockshin said.

“So when the boss would buy a stock, she would make the purchase for him, and then buy the same stock for herself, but in a smaller amount because she was on a secretary’s salary.

“I realised she had millions and she had never mentioned a word. I don’t think she thought it was anybody’s business but her own.”

Ms Bloom left a small amount of money for friends and relatives, but the majority was bequeathed to charity, with an $8.3 million donation made to the Henry Street Settlement, which helps disadvantaged young people go to college.

Ms Bloom worked until she was 96, and she passed away shortly after finishing up at the firm for good in 2016.

Her generous donation to the charity — and the incredible story behind it — has only just been made public.

Paul Hyams, who worked alongside Ms Bloom at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton for 35 years, told The New York Times he was shocked to learn of his late friend’s extreme wealth.

“She could have lived on Park Avenue if she wanted to,” he told the publication.

“She was certainly not a spendthrift. She didn’t have any minks.

“She never talked money and she didn’t live the high life. She wasn’t showy and didn’t want to call attention to herself.”

Mr Hyams said her modest upbringing made her determined to help the needy.

“She was a child of the Depression and she knew what it was like not to have money. She had great empathy for other people who were needy and wanted everybody to have a fair shake,” he said.

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