Chicago Alderman JoAnn Thompson Dies
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ald. JoAnn Thompson (16th), who represented parts of the Englewood and Gage Park neighborhoods, has died of heart failure.
Thompson's office confirmed she died Monday night. She had been hospitalized for weeks due to heart-related health issues. She was 58 years old.
"It is with heavy hearts that we confirm Alderman JoAnn Thompson passed away yesterday, surrounded by her family, friends, and lots of love from the greater Englewood community which she served with devotion to her final day," her chief of staff, Debbie Blair, said in a statement Tuesday morning. "JoAnn suffered a sudden heart failure, finally succumbing to a health battle that she fought with the same courage and grace for which she was known and loved throughout her wonderful life. Her family deeply appreciates the kindness and good wishes that have already come from all quarters of our wonderful city and they ask for privacy during this difficult time as they prepare to say a final goodbye to our dear friend JoAnn."
CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports Alderman Thompson's Englewood office was filled with prayer and sorrow Tuesday morning, hours after co-workers and friends learned she died.
"I'm still trying to wrap my mind around her not being here, said 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts.
Members of the City Council's Black Caucus gathered to speak about their colleague and surround Thompson's chief of staff Debbie Blair, who is also Thompson's first cousin.
"Did I expect my cousins to call me at 4:03 yesterday morning to rush to the hospital, absolutely not," Blair said.
Blair says Thompson had heart valve replacement surgery last month but seemed to be recovering. She just saw her cousin Sunday night.
"Even from the hospital bed, she was still driving the force," Blair said.
An Englewood resident for 40 years, Thompson was first elected as alderman of the 16th ward in 2007, and re-elected in 2011. She was up for re-election in two weeks.
Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), chairman of the City Council Black Caucus, said the entire city would remember Thompson's life and legacy.
"Today, is not a day of politics, but a day to remember the dear friend, JoAnn Thompson. Alderman JoAnn Thompson was an exceptional Alderman, member of the Black Caucus and most of all, a fighter for her community," Brookins said. "The family of Ald. Thompson has asked that their privacy be respected at this time of grief."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel also offered his condolences to Thompson's family:
"With the passing of Alderman JoAnn Thompson, Englewood has lost a tireless advocate and Chicago has lost one of its dearest friends. Alderman Thompson made it her mission to bring jobs, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities to every child and family in Englewood. Her caring spirit and constant smile made JoAnn someone who you wanted to be with and her values defined what it means to build one future as one Chicago. We are saddened by her loss but thankful for the life she lived and the service she gave to our great City of Chicago."
During her eight years in office, one of Thompson's biggest accomplishments was seeing Whole Foods break ground on a grocery store in Englewood, one of the city's so-called "food deserts." Despite being known as "Whole Paycheck" due to its high prices, Thompson said she was confident the Whole Foods in Englewood would be affordable for local residents.
"I visited the Detroit store. I went there to see for myself. The store is priced very well. People will be able to afford it," she said. "I buy stuff at one store. Then, I go to another store and buy things. It'll work out. People from my community are traveling down to Roosevelt to go the store, Now, they won't have to go that far."
The Englewood store is slated to open at the end of this year at 63rd and Halsted streets.
Recently, she had been pushing the Chicago Housing Authority to replace every unit of public housing that has been demolished over the past decade-and-a-half.
Thompson also was hospitalized in July 2012, after collapsing while attending a music festival in Englewood.
In the upcoming election, Thompson was in a close contest with fellow Ald. Toni Foulkes (15th), after the 2011 remap of the city significantly changed her ward.
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my colleague Ald. Thompson. We worked together as members of the Black Caucus on many important policy initiatives since we were both elected in 2007," Foulkes said in an email. "I admired her fierce commitment to the constituents and communities of the 16th Ward. My prayers are with Ald. Thompson's children and grandchildren."
Three other candidates also are running in the 16th Ward, including Stephanie Coleman, the daughter of former Ald. Shirley Coleman, who was Thompson's predecessor.
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners officials said Thompson's name was being removed from early voting equipment, and would be removed from ballots for the Feb. 24 election. Notices also were being sent to voters, informing them Thompson has died. Notices also will be posted at polling places and on voting machines in the 16th Ward.
Thompson is survived by three children and four grandchildren.