CITY HALL — Ald. JoAnn Thompson was recalled as a "fighter" who epitomized the city and her own Englewood neighborhood in a special memorial meeting Tuesday of the City Council.
The 16th Ward alderman, who died last month of heart failure at 58 just two weeks before the municipal election, was celebrated by her colleagues.
The council passed a resolution in her honor calling her a tireless advocate for Englewood before and after being elected eight years ago, and as someone dedicated to community improvement with possibly her greatest achievement being the ongoing development of a Whole Foods at 63rd and Halsted streets.
It cited how she conquered a bout of alcoholism and homelessness after being widowed in 1992, and how she later used that experience to tell constituents: "I represent hope."
"Feisty? Y'all don't know the half of it," said Ald. Carrie Austin (34th). Yet she added that, above all, Thompson was "compassionate."
Austin said Thompson had introduced herself in the City Council by saying the Lord had told her Austin would be her mentor. They went on to form a fast friendship to prove it, she added, saying "that kind of friend is truly a gift from God."
"Indeed, she was a fighter," said Ald. Edward Burke (14th).
Burke said her life paralleled the city's history in that she was "a success story entirely of her own making." He called her "an incredible force of nature" and someone who was "tough" and "street savvy."
"JoAnn wasn't one to do a lot of talking," said Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), explaining Thompson hated lying. Yet she added that she was "such a fighter," a note sounded by many in the council.
"She was a strong woman," said Ald. Latasha Thomas (17th). "She announced her convictions with pride."
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) called her "a warrior" who was "tough as nails," but added, "She was funny and had a genuine soul."
"She was firm, and yet she was soft-spoken," said Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd).
Ald. John Pope (10th) said Thompson embodied "the quiet storm."
"She fought for her people. She was a tough lady," said Ald. Timothy Cullerton (38th).
"JoAnn made you wish you had gray hair like hers," said Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th), recalling that he often thought, "Man, she's sharp." He cited her as a strong advocate for public housing who had overcome her own period of being homeless.
She had "panache," according to Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21st), who added, "JoAnn had a great sense of style and confidence."
"I'm gonna miss her," said Ald. Deborah Graham (29th).
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Thompson was "forever fighting, never flagging," and that he was powerless to resist her when she came to him looking for help in some way for her community. He said the changes ongoing in Englewood are testimony to her lasting legacy.
According to Austin, a Montclare Senior Residence under development in the 16th Ward will be renamed in Thompson's honor.
"When JoAnn passed, that was the project she was working on for her beloved seniors," Austin said. "It was their effort, because she had worked so diligently for them."
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