Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley Dead at 68

Former Chicago first lady Maggie Daley has passed away after a long battle with breast cancer, she was 68-years-old.

The wife of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Maggie was diagnosed with the common form of women’s cancer in 2002. When she first learned of her diagnosis she said she was shocked while adding:

“But you pick up and you move on. … I’m not alone here. There are a lot of people who have experienced this.”

Daley who stood at her husbands side for 22-years as he led the cities mayoral efforts was a beloved character in Chicago. After her death President Obama noted that Maggie’s efforts on behalff of the city’s children:

“Live on as national models for how to create environments for children to learn and grow outside the classroom.”

Currently Chicago Rahm Emanuel also offered his condolences, in a statement he said:

“Chicago has lost a warm and gracious First Lady who contributed immeasurably to our city. While Mayor Daley served as the head of this city, Maggie was its heart.”

While current Illinois Governor Pat Quinn added:

“The ever-gracious Maggie was devoted to her family and her faith. Maggie had a servant’s heart, especially for children. Through her founding and leadership of After School Matters, she lifted up thousands of Chicago teenagers with opportunities to discover their potential and find their path to a meaningful life.”

Mrs. Daley had become increasingly sick in recent weeks and was under home care with support from nurses and other employees from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Maggie passed away in her own home during the morning hours. Maggie Daley is survived by her husband and three children.