Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley passed away Thanksgiving night, Nov. 24, after a long battle with cancer. She was 68.
A public wake was held Nov. 27 at the Chicago Cultural Center. A public funeral Mass took place Nov. 28 at Old St. Patrick's Church.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement saying, "Mrs. Daley fought breast cancer with grace and dignity since her diagnosis in 2002; her resilience in the fight against cancer was incredible. Chicago is a richer city because of her dedicaton to the arts, and her passion for after school matters. ... May she rest in the eternal peace she deserves."
Members of the LGBT community also offered their condolences, sending them to Windy City Times. Some of them are below:
State Rep. Deb Mell: "I was very sad to hear about Maggie Daley passing on Thanksgiving. To me, she embodied grace, faith and pure class. I will always remember the kindness she showed to my mother when she was ill; that meant so much to me. My thoughts and prayers go to the whole family."
State Rep. Greg Harris: "Mrs. Daley was an inspiration to all those who have faced serious illness. In the years she struggled with her cancer and her treatment, she never failed to be kind and gracious, and continued non-stop to pursue a better life for Chicago youth. She will be remembered by every Chicagoan as a woman of great faith, courage and caring."
Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda: "As a former student of the arts, I am very saddened by the passing of this iconic woman. Her work has improved the lives of many young people throughout Chicago. Providing youth with access to the arts and other constructive programs enhances their ability to express themselves in ways that words cannot always express.
"In talking with young LGBTQ people that have utilized the After School Matters program, they will tell you how it has allowed them the ability to find new ways to express their sexual orientation or gender identity and find strength within themselves to be who they are. That is what art can do, and that is why Mrs. Daley's work will live on in so many people."
44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney: "As Chicago's longtime first lady, Maggie Daley was a celebrated force for good in the education and arts communities and her efforts in those areas will serve as a testament to her dedicated service for years to come. She led with dignity and grace both as a public figure and as a private person fighting an almost decade-long battle with cancer. Like all Chicagoans, my prayers and thoughts are with the Daley family today."
Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, You & Me This Morning, WCIU-TV: "Former First Lady Maggie Daley was a true role model for us all. She was a creator of beauty and a vessel of hope for so many people in the city of Chicago, especially through her effortless work with After School Matters. We should all be thankful for the life of Maggie Daley and her commitment to improving conditions of our youth by teaching them peace and balance though the arts.She will be missed."
Activist couple TJ Williams and Brad Hauger: "Maggie Daley was a champion of the arts and education for all children. She dedicated her life to public service. While she will be dearly missed, her initiatives will live on within Chicago's youth and as national models for how to create educational opportunities for children, to learn and grow outside the classroom. Maggie and her husband's commitment to diversity and inclusion was expressed throughout Chicago. We mourn her passing but celebrate her legacy. We stand with Mayor Daley, Nora, Patrick, Lally and the entire Daley family in prayer."
Jacob Meister, attorney: "The passing of Maggie Daley marks a sad day for our city. For two decades the mayor was the brains of the City and Maggie was its heart."
Modesto "Tico" Valle, CEO of Center on Halsted: "The LGBT community had a true friend in Maggie Daley. Twenty years ago, Maggie founded After School Matters (ASM), offering teens innovative opportunities to learn. Maggie made certain ASM welcomed and celebrated LGBT youth, creating a national model of inclusiveness. Maggie's commitment to equality inspired other leaders in Chicago and beyond to stand with our community. The center is proud to continue Maggie's legacy to build and strengthen the LGBT community, including our ongoing partnership with ASM.
"Maggie will be missed not only by those of us who had the honor to work with her but also by the thousands of community members whose lives she touched."
Youth Pride Services/Youth Pride Center: "It is no secret the success of YPC Entertainment came from great LGBT youth singers, dancer, actors and a host of other performing arts fields that were taught at After School Matters (ASM). Not only did ASM produce most of our award-winning talent (most youth came to YPC Entertainment after graduating from ASM), but we were also a recipient of ASM funding.
"The first-ever grant for YPC Entertainment came from Maggie Daley's Afert School Matters program. ASM has always provided a space for LGBT youth of color to develop much needed, hands on skills, in a welcoming environment. Youth Pride staff members have attended countless ASM performances as it traditionally supports its members outside of YPS programming.
"Today, ASM continues to provide unmatched talent for Youth Pride Services and we pay tribute to its founder, Maggie Daley."