Nurse, first independent on Kane County Board

The first independent candidate elected to the Kane County Board has died after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Bonnie Campbell, 75, well known for her youthful disposition, served on the county board from 1992 to 1998, first as an independent then as a Republican for her final two-year term.

During the first four years of her tenure, Campbell chaired the county's health committee.

Campbell died Nov. 15.

Those who worked closely with Campbell, who lived her life in the Dundee area, described her as a hard-working board member, dedicated to the issues she was concerned with.

"Her experience as a nurse just spoke for itself," said former Kane County Board member Don Rage. "She gave direction to the board and showed the empathy that nurses have, which is very important when you are running a health department."

Rage, who served on the board from 1994 to 2002, also called Campbell a visionary for her support of the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge at a time when most other county officials were opposed.

"Though she didn't need it personally because her travels were more south, she knew it was needed up north," Rage said. "She was a breath of fresh air."

Campbell possessed the experience of a seasoned board member, but Rage said she also had an energy that belied her age.

"She drove her Camaro with her T-tops and had that young-at-heart attitude," Rage said. "It was refreshing to have someone with wisdom and experience who could relate to the younger people."

An open house celebrating Campbell's life will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Tri-City Evergreen VFW Post #2298, 117 S. First St., West Dundee.