(Omaha, NE) -- A week and a half after the death of her husband, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert made her first public appearance on Tuesday.
In her first public appearance since the death Dr. Joe Stothert on March 5th, Mayor Stothert shared some insight into his death before talking about her plans to return to work.
“Lately, Joe had begun to change. Our family noticed it, and his work family noticed it. The past year had been very difficult for Joe,” the mayor said. “The questions that we have will never be fully answered, we know that and we accept it. We also know that mental-health challenges and depression are prevalent and that those working in health care are at greater risk.”
Stothert was joined at the podium by her daughter and son. “I will resume my duties as mayor this week, and ask for your encouragement and your blessing,” she said.
The Mayor said that in addition to returning to her mayoral duties this week, she will also restart her re-election campaign this week. Stothert says outreach and commercials will launch starting on Wednesday. The mayor put her re-election campaign on pause following Joe's death.
Dr. Stothert was found dead at the family’s home on Friday, March 5. Funeral services were held privately, but in lieu of flowers the public was asked to make donations to the Omaha First Responders Foundation and the Omaha Police Fund in honor of Dr. Stothert's dedication to public safety.
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)