Eileen "Cookie" Silverman

Eileen “Cookie” Silverman of Fort Lee, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at the age of 86. She was surrounded by loved ones, family, and friends during her final weeks in hospice.

Cookie was a high-spirited, curious, joyous person who was always the life of the party. She loved to spend time with friends and family doing her favorite activities—playing cards and Mahjong, discussing great books and current events, going on hikes, canoeing and kayaking, traveling the world, hosting holidays and celebrations, and rooting for the New York Yankees. She was the organizer, leader, and linchpin of every gathering, a consummate relationship-builder, making “best friends” until her last days. She was a friend to her family and family to her friends, and they all adored her.

Cookie was born on October 16, 1939, in Brooklyn, NY to Ethel and Milton Brown. She received her B.A. from Hunter College in 1958. She enjoyed many careers in her life including homemaker, NYC teacher, antiques dealer, real estate agent and appraiser, and office manager for Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center. She is a past president of the Metropolitan Canoe & Kayak Club, located at Lake Sebago, Harriman State Park. In every role, she built community and made people feel cared for, seen, and heard.

Cookie was predeceased by first husband Larry Saposnick, the father of her four daughters, and by her second husband, Mel Silverman of Yonkers, NY. She leaves behind beloved sister Lynne Katz, of Valley Cottage, NY, and four daughters Sami O’Reilly (husband Bob), Jodi Balsam (husband Craig), Kali Van Campen, and Lori Swift; grandchildren Michele (wife Sarah), Mo, Will (wife Randi), Dani, Elias, and Dmitri; and many members of her extended family. She was blessed to welcome the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Stella Balsam, in 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: the American Canoe Association, https://americancanoe.org/donate/, or The Jewish Education Project, https://www.jewishedproject.org/give.