Widow Reclaims $13M NYC Home After Housekeeper Eviction

A wealthy widow has finally regained access to her late husband's $13 million New York City townhouse following a protracted legal dispute. The property, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, had been occupied by the deceased businessman's housekeeper, who was accused of squatting.

Businessman Craig Schmeizer died suddenly in November. His widow, neurologist Sarah Shalev, is the trustee of the trusts controlling the property. Court papers indicate the housekeeper, Hilarie Page, had been a licensee whose permission to stay ended with Schmeizer's death.

Shalev claims Page refused access to the home and exhibited hostility when contacted shortly after Schmeizer's passing. Despite legal letters and a locksmith attempt, Page allegedly resisted vacating the premises, even leading to a police call.

Page, who has a documented history of multiple evictions, was served an eviction notice in mid-March and subsequently vacated. She was due in Housing Court on Tuesday but failed to appear. Her history includes refusing to leave a friend's apartment for over two years and a landlord reporting rent non-payment and abuse.

Shalev was seen surveying the $13 million home this week, marking the conclusion of five months of legal wrangling. The housekeeper's alleged resistance also included an incident in September 2025 where Schmeizer was injured, leading to Page's arrest on assault and harassment charges, though these were later dropped. The investigation into Schmeizer's death concluded with no criminality found.