Lee Kite

Lee was born in 1949 and grew up in Rockford, Illinois as the youngest daughter of Richard and Jacqueline Hoffman and sister of Carole. She graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign and held both an undergraduate degree and master’s degree in education.

She is survived by her husband, George, to whom she was married for 52 years and her children Alison and Jeffrey.

Lee was a devoted spouse and mother, a dependable friend and a generous mentor who always went above and beyond to make her loved ones feel comfortable and supported. She loved cooking and baking, and was well known for her famous chocolate chip cookies. She was also a wonderful storyteller and conversationalist who enjoyed reading, entertaining and interior design.

Work was a major source of fulfillment and purpose in her life. Her remarkable career exemplified her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Lee used her passion for education and literacy to create a children’s book company that did business with schools throughout the Chicago Metropolitan Area. She later shifted her career to the non-profit sector, most recently working as an executive at American Cancer Society, where she spent the last 18 years of her career.

In 2007, Lee founded the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball, one of the Society’s signature galas in the nation. Under her leadership and guidance, Discovery Ball has raised over $40 million to help save lives and free the world from cancer. In 2018-2022, Lee was named by BizBash Magazine as one of the most influential professionals in the U.S. event industry. In 2022, she was a special honoree at the Discovery Ball event where she bravely shared the story of her own cancer journey and encouraged others to support her in the fight against cancer. Her legacy will live on through the difference she made in striving to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Her positive outlook on life was inspiring and her big, beautiful heart has left an indelible mark on the world. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral service Tuesday, Oct. 3, 10 AM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. Interment will take place at Westlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org) or to the shiva to Randi Berger (Zelle 773-742-2702 or Venmo @randi-shivaladies), please put Lee Kite in the notes.