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Valerie Silver Ellis Date of Birth: July 4, 1955 Position: Partner, Institutional Equities Trader From Val’s journal 2/7/83: “Back in NYC again. I’ve survived Cantor’s training program and transcended the LA/Cantor boys by being me. By being a team player, listening, giving, being warm and strong. I am learning more and more about the business. This is a talent I have.” And so began Val’s association with Cantor Fitzgerald. Born of the 4th of July, she lived the “American Dream.” She was “Auntie Val” to her family and lots of others. A quick mind and quicker tongue, there was no fear she could not overcome, no height she could not reach and no joke she would not entertain. Val created laughter and shared that laughter. You could always expect the unexpected from her. (Funny, poignant and bawdy stories upon request.) Val found a way to share tears as well and turn them into smiles that grew to laughter. She improved on what she found and created what she could not find. She created herself and her own world. She succeeded in that world and generously shared that success. She was direct, creative, exacting and very smart and she always knew just what to say and no one, no one got in her way. Was she a saint? I think not, she didn’t try to be. Was she real? I think so, and that is what we should all strive to be. No longer can we “Ask Val” but instead we must ask, “What would Val have done?” Then………..just do it!!!!!
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I met Valerie back in her L.A. days in the early 80’s. We met in Hollywood standing outside a Mink de Ville concert. We exchanged phone numbers since we were both new to L.A., and went on to have one heck of a year of friendship and fun that I will never forget — and still tell people about. (I have a great picture of Valerie and Friends lying around her Hollywood Hills swimming pool.)
Valerie was smart and funny . . . and generous. She carried my poor butt along on many a night of merry-making after my wallet was empty. She was already successful then, and I knew she’d only become more so. I hate what happened to her (and all the others) more than words can say. The world is, indeed, diminished by her absence, but I will always treasure her memory. Cary (Murphy)Herold, Jacksonville, FL
Val touched and will always hold a special place in my heart. The loving care she gave to our Mamaw was remarkable. She talked with anyone who needed to talk about it and had this uncanny ability to know when we were ready, and when we were not. Val helped me immensely in more ways than she would ever realize because she didn’t take the time to think about it…without a 2nd thought she just did it. From a favorite song “Butterflies are free to fly. Fly Away, High Away…” but not Bye-Bye. I know I’ll see you in Heaven where butterfly wings are replaced by those for Angels.
Val had a talent with words and we will forever cherish the words which she wrote in remembrance of our mother. Val could not have known when she wrote these words in January that our family would hold them dear, in her memory, just a few short months after she wrote them.
Valerie Silver Ellis, in memory of Lucille Ellis:
A girl of six went off to school and came home an English teacher.
But words were just not fast enough, so she taught them to dance and race across the page
in staccato rhythm. And it was so much fun and speedy that she taught you, and you, and you.
To her mother she was so great that someone truly special could barely rate to win her daughter’s love.
Did you visit them on your first date and steal a kiss in your hot rod Chevy?
Did she server you popcorn and a coke while you watched America grow up on the big screen
from the comfort of your own car and your kids fell asleep in the back seat?
In her movie, life was full. Always of love, sometimes of drama and in beautiful living color.
So she taught her roses to bloom bright pink.
Now take that pink and wear it gladly. Bring comfort to those passing sadly through halls where lights stay on all night, waiting for babies to be born and wash away the sadness.
She lived a life that knew no fear and chose this pin to show her joy.
So remember to smile at butterflies. And think of a mother’s love that never dies.
Val worked with my husband Alex at Cantor and his short life was forever enriched because of it. Val was always there for Alex, providing advice –professional and personal — along with some good laughs, practical jokes and ribbing, too. Alex was many years Val’s junior but they were “cut from the same cloth” and became fast friends. I am honored to have known Val and to have witnessed her strong spirit, vibrancy and love of life.
When I remember Val Silver Ellis I think of a hot sunny afternoon at her summer house.We were spending a lazy summer Sunday by the pool:Val’s husband, Sam, a girlfriend of Val’s and my husband, Jeff and me.It was a day of appreciating the rewards of success:the comfort of a weekend escape,friendship, good food and stimulating conversation.Val was a gourmet and it was always a treat when she cooked.
Val and my husband shared many anecdotes of customers and trades,and reviews of restaurants as good friends do.I always enjoyed the parties we attended if Val was there as she was interesting to talk with.Her experience of being one of few women in a trading room of men always provided some humorous stories.Yet she didn’t take herself particularly seriously which I found refreshing.
Last Spring while Jeff’s mother was dying of cancer Valerie gave him a book from Hospice which she had read and found useful during her mother’s illness.He told me that they would talk and both would sob as they shared their sorrow. Jeff’s quote was:”I have to stop talking to Val; the two of us stand sobbing in the hallway and I am a mess!”
Those of us who were blessed to know Val and Jeff will forever miss their gracious presence in our lives. I offer my sympathy to Sam and the rest of Val’s family. Chris LeVeen,wife of Jeff LeVeen and friend.
You could never put anything past Val; whenever there were rumours flying around, you could bet that Val was the one who knew the real story.
Never one to shy away from a practical joke on the trading floor, she could give “it” right back to whoever was dishing it out.
Yet she was one of the few people who truly appreciated those of us working behind the scenes. Whenever a group of us “techs” came to NY from the West Coast to relocate a trading floor or roll out a new trading system, Val would always make the time to treat us to dinner or to a show.
Val was one of a kind; I will miss her.
Last April I was diagnosed with Breast cancer and Val somehow appeared in my hospital room the day of surgery. I was not feeling very well and had several complications, she was there to comfort my partner and to help her relax while I went for an emergency surgery that same night. Val invited Carol back to her home so she could be near if there was another emergency. She provided her with clothes, a shower and an abundance of support and friendship. It was a scary time for my family and Val just helped us all float through the fear with her humor and living life to the fullest perspective. She knew I would be fine. Here I am a year and half later, a true breast cancer survivor. I miss her terribly and am forever touched by her kindness, generosity and friendship. She was truly a gem!
And I always ask what would Val have done, and then I just do it!!!
Nancy Di Dia
Val married my dear friend Sam Ellis. That’s how she came into my life.
We’re in our condo inE ast Moriches on Pameeches Path b ecause of Sam and Val. We call it The Meech. She called us “Meechers”.
The first time Val and Sam came to see The Meech she turned to sam and said “I D S”. I asked what that meant. She said “It doesn’t suck”.
9/11/01 Sucks!!
I miss her like crazy. She was one of a kind! The kind we need more of.
Love to you Sam every day!!
Maria DiDia Salmon
Val Silver was the first girl my age whom I saw wearing high heels. When she was nearby, one could always tell by the laughter(not giggling, but “womanly” laughter.) She ran with a trio of girls–one who is Willa Sandmeyer, for many years a Los Angeles TV reporter with KCBS and KTLA. I don’t know why I remember her so clearly but as soon as I saw the name…it hit me pretty hard. We both attended Sligo SDA School (a private Seventh-day Adventist School in Takoma Park MD in 1967). My feelings are mixed. Obviously this is a woeful tragedy. On the other hand, it warms my heart to see what a great success story she became. Reading of her inspires me to this day!
At age 12, folks, she was a star!
I firmly believe that we will ALL be seeing her one day, and I fervently hope that the period of her pain and terror was extremely brief.
Here’s to the greatest of all gods, the Lord God Almighty, who creates persons like Val Silver in particular eras and spaces, for very specific reasons. I trust you’ll note a small sampling of those reasons listed above.
When I grow up I want to be like Val.
Always in my thoughts and prayers, this fond remembrance does not capture the vivid memories of laughter and banter. SAE/2005
I can’t believe it has been 10 years years since that fateful day in 2001 that our world changed and we lost our Val. We have had to go on when we thought we couldn’t. That is what Val would want us to do. I am so thankful for those I still have and for the Lord who has kept us in His care and has supplied all our needs. I am looking forward to day He returns and we will be together never to part again.
Val, your birthday is coming up–I never knew you, but it appears that your birthday is coming up, and I did not want it to go un-noticed. You are the star above us, so far, but we feel your radiance here on this place called earth. Life has not ended–what a beautiful face you have–forever young!
Val, your birthday is coming up–I never knew you, but it appears that your birthday is coming up, and I did not want it to go un-noticed. You are the star above us, so far, but we feel your radiance here on this place called earth. Life has not ended–what a beautiful face you have–forever young!
We meet people for a reason. We become shaped by those around us and carry them forward. They remain in us, guide us, provide us with ways to become better people. Valerie was such a person. On this 20th anniversary of 9/11 I remember Valerie. We were classmates from fifth grade through tenth grade. I never spoke to her again after our tenth grade year, but I hear her laugh. I hear her say “ grow up Rosario”. Valerie was for the underdog and she was not afraid to let you know, no matter who you were. Her friends adored her. I remember her well and part of her remains in me, as she remains in all who knew her.
Doug Rosario fellow student 5th-10th grade