Chicago ( CNN ) -- Maggie Daley , the wife of a former Chicago mayor , died Thursday night after battling breast cancer . She was 68 . Daley died about 6 p.m. at home `` surrounded by family , including her husband , former Mayor Richard Daley , and her children , Nora , Patrick and Elizabeth , '' said Jacquelyn Heard , Daley 's former spokeswoman and a family friend . `` The mayor and his family would like to thank the people of Chicago for the many kindnesses they 've shown Mrs. Daley over the years , and they appreciate your prayers during this time , '' Heard said . She died from complications from breast cancer , Heard said . Her husband was first elected mayor in 1989 to complete the term of the late Harold Washington . He was re-elected in 1991 , 1995 , 1999 , 2003 and 2007 . He was succeeded by Rahm Emanuel . Emanuel said Daley started a successful after-school arts program in 1991 . `` 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 , '' Emanuel said . `` Every person in this city , one way or another , has been touched by her vision and determination . '' President Barack Obama described her as `` an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to public service , '' including programs to benefit Chicago youth . `` 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 , '' Obama said in a statement . `` Maggie 's commitment to the children and people of Chicago was surpassed only by her devotion to her family . '' CNN 's Marlena Baldacci and Greg Morrison contributed to this report .
Daley dies at home surrounded by her family . She had been battling breast cancer , a family spokeswoman says . President Barack Obama says she dedicated her life to public service .