Hoffman Estates woman lauded as 'tireless volunteer'

Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod paused at the village board meeting Monday to remember the contributions of Sharon Kimble, a more than 50-year resident and tireless volunteer.

“Sharon Kimble was active in virtually every good cause in our community,” McLeod said, “both in Hoffman Estates and in Schaumburg Township. She was an outstanding citizen — and a dedicated public servant.”

Kimble died Monday. She was 76.

Staff members at Schaumburg Township remembered her long tenure there, where she served as deputy village clerk and director of administrative services. She retired from the township in 2001, the same year she was named employee of the year.

Her public service, however, didn't end with her retirement. She threw her energy into village commissions in Hoffman Estates, where she served on the Commission for Disabled and Seniors, the Celebrations Commission, the village's sesquicentennial committee and the township's Historical Society.

At the time of her passing, Kimble was a sitting member of Hoffman Estates' Sister Cities Commission.

Of all her volunteer efforts, perhaps her most visible contributions remain with the Celebrations Commission, which formed in 2002 to help brand the village's business district with some identifiable markers.

The cheerful, seasonal banners reflected Kimble's upbeat personality and love of her hometown. But the commission soon took on more duties, including creating special events for the village.

“Sharon worked tirelessly on our many events,” says Hoffman Estates Village Clerk Bev Romanoff, pointing to their Sept. 11 program, holiday tree lighting and Platzkonzert, or Octoberfest event. “She was a crucial part of the commission because of her knowledge and experience in the village.”

In 2003, Kimble traveled with McLeod to Chicago's Cultural Center, where she was honored as a recipient of the Cook County Sheriff's Senior Medal of Honor for her outstanding public service.

“I believe we need to give back to the community,” Kimble said in a Daily Herald interview at the time of the award. “Hoffman Estates is a nice place to be.”

A memorial service remembering Kimble's life is being planned to take place at Schaumburg Township, though details are pending at this time.