Sylvia Bloom | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1919 or 1920 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 2016 (aged 96) New York City, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Hunter College |
| Occupations |
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| Employer | Cleary Gottlieb |
| Known for | Bequeathed US$8.2 million for college scholarships |
| Spouse |
Raymond Margolies (died 2002) |
Sylvia Bloom (c. 1919 – 2016) was an American legal secretary. By copying her bosses' investment decisions she secretly accumulated a significant fortune and donated the bulk of it—US$8.2 million—for scholarships for underprivileged students upon her death. She lived modestly in a rent-controlled apartment, and even her closest friends and family did not know about her wealth.
Bloom's story garnered widespread acclaim, shedding light on other unassuming individuals amassing substantial wealth and donating to local causes upon their death. Her financial success showcased the potential of long-term investing. However, debate arose over the legal and ethical issues in her investment method, citing potential misuse of confidential client data. Other critics argued for prioritizing intentional generosity and impact during one's lifetime rather than solely through inheritance.