The renowned Greek philosopher Socrates once remarked, “By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”
The wife of Sam Zell, Helen Zell, unquestionably played an essential role in his life. Despite being the billionaire’s third life partner, she was the one who stood alongside him and complemented his accomplishments in business.
The real estate magnate and business mogul, Sam Zell, passed away on May 18th, 2023, at the age of 81.
His demise was announced in a statement by Equity Group Investments, the firm that Mr. Zell established and chaired.
The statement did not disclose the specifics of Mr. Zell’s passing. However, it did mention that the billionaire expired due to an illness he had recently been diagnosed with.
Sam Zell’s success was evident to all. It would be accurate to say that the billionaire spent most of his life transitioning between boardrooms and financial columns.
When you juggle a million responsibilities like Mr. Zell, you desire to return home to a partner who comprehends and values your challenges.
Helen undoubtedly fulfilled that role for him. She offered him solace as a partner and supported him in his professional endeavors.
Moving on, let’s gain insight into Helen Zell’s life before delving into the real estate mogul’s accomplishments.
A look at Sam Zell’s spouse achievements
Apart from her role as the wife of the billionaire Sam Zell, Helen is a committed philanthropist, a leader in the arts and education sector, and the Executive Director of the Zell Family Foundation.
Helen Zell, previously known as Helen Shiller, was born on October 18, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois.
The late billionaire’s spouse has an affinity for music, literature, and visual arts. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association.
Additionally, she holds a position on the board of several theaters and contemporary art museums.
Her philanthropic initiatives are well-known. She is involved with organizations dedicated to promoting the well-being of underprivileged children and foundations striving to enhance public education in the city.
Enhancing the quality of life in low-income communities has been her primary objective. She strongly believes in the power of education and works to ameliorate the circumstances of disadvantaged communities through the education of their children.
Helen is an alumnus of the University of Michigan, and her commitment to her alma mater is evident in her advocacy for the University’s Literature, Science, and Arts program.
Sam Zell’s wife, Helen Zell’s philanthropic efforts are a blend of her work with the Zell Family Foundation and her personal pursuits.
The Zell Family Foundation provides substantial and ongoing support for the Helen Zell Writers’ Program, previously known as the university’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program in Creative Writing.
This is a two-year program in creative writing with a focus on either fiction or poetry.
Helen’s professional achievements encompass a wide array of roles, including editor of journals published by the American Society, project director and acquisitions editor for Science Research Associates, Inc.; and general manager for the Chicago String Ensemble.
Later in her career, Helen also had the pleasure of owning an interior design company.
In terms of her academic credentials, Helen Zell holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Michigan.
She crossed paths with Sam Zell in the late 1980s at a business conference. The two tied the knot in 1995 and were each other’s source of unwavering support until Mr. Zell’s passing.
Togetherr, Sam and Helen Zell championed causes related to education, the arts, and community development.
The former influential couple believed in giving back and used their wealth and influence to have a positive impact on their community.
Meet Sam Zell, the business magnate
Sam Zell was a self-made, visionary entrepreneur. He founded and expanded hundreds of companies during his six-decade business career.
Consequently, he generated millions of jobs, and his investments spanned numerous industries globally.
His most noteworthy achievement was pioneering the modern real estate investment trust, which today is a more than $4 trillion industry.
Zell was born in Chicago on September 28, 1941. In 1966, he graduated with a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
After graduating, he practiced law for one week before realizing it wasn’t his calling.
Robert H. Lurie, Zell’s former business partner, and he co-founded the company that would evolve into Equity Group Investments in 1968.
Together, they continued to expand the small business into a large conglomerate until Lurie’s untimely passing in 1990.
In the early days of his career, Sam Zell encountered a few setbacks in his personal life. He entered into matrimony three times, with his first two marriages ending in divorce.
Consequently, he became the father of three children, a biological daughter, Kellie, and two adopted children, JoAnn from his first marriage, and Matthew from his second marriage.
Mr. Zell is survived by his third wife Helen Zell and his offspring.
Sam Zell’s foray into the publishing world as chairman of the Tribune Company turned out to be a colossal failure, a five-year-long descent into a maelstrom of resentment, downsizing, management scandals, and bankruptcy.
By the end of 2012, the Tribune Company emerged from bankruptcy relatively intact but with only half its original value.
Zell was the son of Polish Jews who emigrated to America in 1939 as World War II engulfed Europe.
He was widely known as the ‘grave dancer’ due to his knack for revitalizing seemingly defunct properties.
Sam Zell led a triumphant life. His accomplishments are undeniable, and his absence will leave a void in the real estate industry.
