Tributes Pour in for Maggie Daley

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 25, 2011 4:00PM

Tributes are starting to pour in for former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, who passed away last night after a long battle with cancer.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office released a statement last night calling Mrs. Daley "a warm and gracious First Lady who contributed immeasurably to our city."

"We are grateful to Maggie for lending her shining spirit to Chicago in so many ways. She inspired all of us with her commitment to children and the arts. She revealed her grace through her battle with cancer. Whether you knew her personally or were among the countless more who loved and admired her, all of Chicago will remember Maggie for the grace and dignity with which she served for twenty-two years as First Lady."

President Obama also released a statement:

"While she will be sorely missed, her initiatives on behalf of Chicago’s youth live on as national models for how to create environments for children to learn and grow outside the classroom. Maggie’s commitment to the children and people of Chicago was surpassed only by her devotion to her family. Tonight, our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Daley, Nora, Patrick, Lally and the entire Daley family."

A statement from Gov. Pat Quinn read:

"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."

Sen. Dick Durbin said he and wife Loretta were "blessed to have traveled part of our life's journey with (Mrs. Daley) and Rich."

"We remember last St. Patrick's Day at Old St. Pat’s when Maggie’s struggles were quickly forgotten as her grandkids, dressed in their finest green, scrambled in the church pew to see the Shannon Rovers piping up the center aisle. She and Rich were beaming with the joy that loving parents and grandparents live for."

Other tributes came from 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke and Obama senior campaign strategist David Axwelrod. With most newspaper columnists off for the holiday, the tribune and Sun-Times will be playing catchup in offering their tributes. But the Trib has put together an extensive gallery of Mrs. Daley while Sun-Times Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jack Higgins drew a beautiful memorial to Mrs. Daley.