During its first meeting of the year, the Chicago City Council formally remembered the late Maggie Daley.
Though a permanent memorial for Chicago's former first lady has yet to be seen, city council on Wednesday overflowed with loving words and fond memories.
"Maggie Daley faced the inevitable," said Ald. Ed Burke (14th). "She never gave up."
"Maggie Daley was a kind and gentle person," said Ald. James Balcer (11th). "She will be greatly missed."
Maggie lost her nine-year battle with metastatic breast cancer on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 68. Thousands of Chicagoans joined former Mayor Richard Daley for visitation at the Cultural Center to remember her, and hundreds turned out for her funeral.
"Behind every great leader is a great woman," Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) said Wednesday. Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) called her "the strong silent type."
"Never did you see her complain, she never let challenge get us down," said Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd).
While Nora Daley was present for the memorial, former mayor Daley was noticeably absent. Long-time family spokeswoman Jackie Heard told Ward Room he's still recovering from the painful loss.
"As many of you know, he can be very emotional," said Heard in an emailed response. "While making strides ... he is still inclined to be overcome with emotion at the mention of his beloved Maggie."
