Maggie Daley remembered for dedication to Chicago’s youth

Maggie Daley remembered for dedication to Chicago’s youth
Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley is being remembered for her work on behalf of city's youth. AP photo
Maggie Daley remembered for dedication to Chicago’s youth
Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley is being remembered for her work on behalf of city's youth. AP photo

Maggie Daley remembered for dedication to Chicago’s youth

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Former Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley is being remembered for her dedication to the arts. But another great passion of Daley’s was Chicago’s youth.

Some 20 years ago, Maggie Daley helped found what would become the nationally known After School Matters program. It provides artistic, athletic and academic activities for thousands of Chicago youth.

The project started small with a couple hundred  teens getting  arts experience at a vibrant summer training called Gallery 37. That grew into After School Matters.

This past September, Maggie Daley spoke of wanting to see this idea of supporting teenagers thrive well into the future. “I encourage everyone to consider what more we can do to help ensure that such life changing opportunities are available to all Chicago teens,” Daley said an event at Navy Pier.

Maggie Daley died Thursday at the age of 68, nearly a decade after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

A family spokesperson said a public memorial is planned for Sunday at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

A funeral Mass will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W Adams, Chicago.