Carol Martin and Elaine Shimberg, incredible Tampa Bay philanthropists and longtime, passionate supporters of USF Health, sadly passed away last week. Both women were leaders in the community and dedicated to making life better for patients and students.

Martin founded multiple endowed funds at USF Health, including the Marell Foundation Chair for Research on Down Syndrome, held by Russell Kirby, PhD, and the Helen Ellis Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research, held by Juan Sanchez-Ramos, MD, PhD, both of which support research for causes that personally affected her and her family.

“Carol was truly a light in our community and will be sorely missed. Her passion for supporting Parkinson’s disease and Down syndrome research was not only inspiring but is making a lasting difference in the lives and health of many through the work of her endowed chairs. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to her family,” said Arty Giallourakis, associate vice president and chief development officer for USF Health Development and Alumni Relations.

Shimberg, and her husband Hinks, is the namesake and dedicated donor to the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Health Sciences Library at USF Health, as well as a supporter of many other funds at the University of South Florida (USF). She was an award-winning author, received one of the first “Women in Distinction” award from the Girl Scouts of Suncoast Council, Inc., and in 2002, the Shimbergs received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from USF.

“We are greatly saddened by the news that Elaine Shimberg, a longtime friend to USF Health, has passed away. Mrs. Shimberg was a prolific author on medical topics, and she and her husband Hinks built an amazing legacy at USF that will impact many generations. Their generosity and active involvement in the Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Health Sciences Library has ensured that students and faculty will always have access to the latest health information and resources. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Shimberg family. She will be greatly missed,” said Dr. Charles Lockwood, senior vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.