The Kim Muno Obituary
The story of Kim Muno is one of “meaning and warmth” that has transcended decades. As a student at Libertyville High School, Kim was a “vibrant and beautiful” presence, active in student council, cheerleading, and athletics. To lose such a “vibrant individual” in the prime of her youth was a “heartbreaking loss” for her parents, Ronald and Shirley Muno, her siblings, and her many classmates. Yet, in the face of this “indescribable void,” her family and the Class of 1977 transformed their grief into a “quiet and powerful” mission of support for future generations.
Kim was known for her “infectious laughter” and a compassionate nature that seemed destined for a career in service. The “eye-catching” longevity of the scholarship in her name—originally established by her parents and later revitalized by her classmates at their 20th reunion—serves as a testament to the “undeniable void” she left behind and the “vibrant spirit” she possessed. Today, the fund has grown into the Kim Muno Charitable Endowment, aiming to support aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals in perpetuity.
A Legacy of Compassion and the “Spirit of Care”
Kim Muno’s legacy is a masterclass in “simple joy” and the power of memory. Those who had the “privilege of knowing her” remember a young woman who was a “bright heart” in the Libertyville community. Her mother, Shirley “Shirl the Pearl” Muno, who recently passed in December 2024, often reflected on the “goodness and beauty” of Kimberly that remained alive in their home. The scholarship fund reflects Kim’s own passion for nursing—a field her mother also served in for many years at Condell Hospital—creating a “vibrant and beautiful” bridge between mother and daughter.
The “outpouring of support” for the scholarship fund from the Class of 1977 is a direct reflection of the love Kim sowed during her brief 16 years. By easing the financial burden for students facing the rising costs of education, the fund ensures that Kim’s “spirit of compassion” continues to walk the halls of healthcare facilities across the country. She taught her peers that the true measure of a life is the “meaning and warmth” we leave in the hearts of others, a legacy of “unwavering spirit” that continues to empower Libertyville students to follow in her footsteps.
Honoring Kim’s Memory and Investing in the Future
As the Libertyville community gathers each year for LHS Honor Day, the presentation of the Kim Muno Scholarship remains a “profoundly sad” yet deeply inspiring moment. The fund recently set a goal to increase its annual award to $5,000, ensuring that Kim’s “beacon of light” shines even brighter for graduating seniors. Contributions to this endowment are more than just donations; they are an investment in the “vibrant and beautiful” future of healthcare and a way to maintain Kim’s “tender embrace” on the community she loved.
We extend our continued thoughts to the Muno family and the LHS Class of 1977. Kim’s story did not end in 1976; it continues through every student who receives her scholarship and every patient they go on to treat with the same “spirit of care” that Kim embodied. Rest in peace, Kim; your presence was a blessing to Libertyville, and your spirit will remain a guiding light for our students and our community forever.