Rebecca Elana Silver

March 31,1989 - December 1, 2025

Sweet and sassy Rebecca Elana Silver, 36, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, died peacefully at home. She was born March 31, 1989, to parents Harry Robert Silver and Suzanne Marie (Snyder) Silver.

Due to a birth injury, Rebecca lived her life with profound developmental and physical disabilities. Upon graduating from Shaker Heights High School, she attended day programming through United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater Cleveland. At one point, she tried out a job crushing cans there, but she quickly made it clear that this did not resonate with her. She preferred to spend her time at UCP participating in activities and hanging out with friends.

She loved music, especially the Backstreet Boys, who she once got to see perform live. She also enjoyed Wheel of Fortune, being told she was gorgeous (which she was!), spa days, and being an amazing Auntie. She was so patient with her nieces and always had a smile for them. Some of Rebecca’s favorite words to say were “honey” and “no want.”

Rebecca and her mom Suzanne (Suzy) shared a tremendous bond. They drove each other crazy but loved each other more than words can describe. Suzy was Rebecca’s lifelong caregiver and biggest advocate, and because of Rebecca, Suzy realized her career calling and became a special education teacher. Rebecca also shared a close bond with her dad, from whom she learned to bicker; her longtime caregiver and friend-like-family Sandra (“Sanny”); and her big sisters Lia (“Eeya”) and Amy (“Ahneen”). Amy went to college in Philadelphia, and for years thereafter Rebecca would say Philadelphia (“Ooh-fwa-fwa”) when thinking about her.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents George and Geraldine Silver, and her maternal grandparents Edwin and Alice Snyder. She is survived by her parents, Harry and Suzanne Silver; her sisters Lia (Josh) Birnbaum and Amy (Jason Orlovich) Silver; her nieces Georganna McNelly, Louisa McNelly, and Runa Orlovich; her very special friend Sandra Graham; and her many other friends and admirers.

People who met Rebecca often thought of her as a teacher. The way she lived her life inspired others to think about how they lived their own lives.

A memorial for Rebecca will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, 1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. Interment will be at Mayfield Cemetery 2749 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106

To view the service, please scroll down to the Services Section and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to be made in Rebecca’s honor to United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland.