Hundreds of friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members gathered Wednesday evening in the Twin Cities to honor Jessica Omoke, a Kenyan-born nurse remembered for her warmth, dedication, and deep love for her family.
Even after the vigil officially ended, people continued arriving at the venue as others lingered to comfort the family and share memories of Omoke, whose body was discovered in Maple Grove on Friday, May 15.
Her death came the same day her twin daughters graduated from college.
Crystal Police confirmed to Mshale on Monday that the investigation into her death remains ongoing. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has said the cause of death may not be known for weeks. The medical examiner released her body to the family on Monday as funeral preparations began for a memorial scheduled for May 31.
In an update posted Tuesday evening on its Facebook page, Crystal Police said investigators do not suspect foul play, though the investigation continues.
Omoke most recently worked at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, where both she and her husband were employed. A strong contingent from the hospital attended the vigil, led by Andrew Dunn of the Minnesota Nurses Association, with colleagues offering emotional testimonials about her compassion, work ethic, and devotion to patients.
Her husband, James Omoke Onserio, spoke emotionally about their life together and the impact his wife had on others.
“She was a very special lady to me, but I didn’t know that she [also] touched each and every one of you in those special ways,” he said.
He also spoke proudly about their daughters’ academic achievements.
“We were so proud of them because they have really worked so hard… lucky enough also the little sister Kezia, she’s also graduating next week from high school… and she’s also headed to University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Nursing.”
But the family’s joy, he said, has been overtaken by grief.
“It is so unfortunate that we are not going to celebrate that party because now we are mourning,” James admitted.
He spoke about the responsibility ahead as he raises their three daughters without their mother.
“Please pray for us… to be able to guide my three daughters here because now their mom is not there anymore.”
He thanked the community for supporting the family during the tragedy.
“Wherever you go, whoever wants to come, they don’t have to call me… we are waiting for them.”
Birds chirped in the background as Pastor Joseph Mobegi of United Central SDA Church in Brooklyn Park, joined by other area pastors, prayed over the family. The Omokes are members of the church.
Former Minnesota Nurses Association president Mary Turner delivered an emotional tribute, praising the strength of Omoke’s daughters after losing their mother on the day of their graduation. Turner, who serves on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, noted that the two older daughters had followed their mother into nursing after graduating from the university.
“We had a board (MNA) meeting today and we made a gesture and we will let you know about that later,” Turner said, signaling additional support from the nurses association.
Crystal Mayor Julie Deshler, who said she did not personally know Omoke, pledged the city’s support to the grieving family.
“But I just know the neighbors just loved her and the family, but just know from the city’s standpoint if the family needs anything, support, maybe a ride or food please feel free to reach out to us at anytime and we will try to help in any way we can,” Deshler said.
Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston also offered condolences on behalf of his city and family.
“A loss in your community (Kenyan) is a loss to our community, so just know I am there with you,” Winston said.
Throughout the evening, the husband and the couple’s three daughters sat together listening quietly as friends, colleagues, clergy members, and elected officials shared tributes and prayers.
State Rep. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley and Sarah Okindo, who emceed the vigil, encouraged community members to continue supporting the family through a GoFundMe campaign established to assist with expenses.
The memorial service for Omoke will be held May 31 at Ebenezer Community Church, 9200 West Broadway Ave. in Brooklyn Park, allowing time for the family’s youngest daughter to graduate from high school.
Author
About Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief
Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association. An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.
- Web |
- More Posts(492)
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
