After a long battle with cancer, Chicago's beloved former first lady of more than 20 years, died on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 24 at 6 p.m. Central Time.

According to a Chicago Tribune report, she was surrounded by family members, including the just-retired Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, when she died. Messages of sympathy immediately poured in from all over country for the Daley family. 

In a statement obtained by TIME Magazine, long-time Chicago resident, President Barack Obama and wife Michelle said Maggie Daley, was "an extraordinary woman who dedicated her life to public service."

Daley's successor and former fundraiser Rahm Emanuel also issued a statement honoring the late Daley. During Emanuel's inauguration as new mayor, Daley made one of the rare public appearances this year. 

Pulitizer winner and film critic Rober Ebert also joined in. 

Only last Nov. 17, the Daleys attended the wedding of their youngest daughter, Elizabeth.  

After her death was announced, the Chicago Tribune and other Chicago media outlets also posted photo and video tributes remembering the late ex-first lady's achievement. She was a well-loved figure in Chicago. The city even named a species of tulip after her.

Beyond Chicago, her loss was also noted in The New York Times and other national media.

Despite her battle with breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2002, the then Chicago first lady continued her role as the city's top cultural and arts promoter, while helping raise money for cancer cure and awareness.

While her husband faced deed criticism about this stint as Chicago's longest-serving mayor (next to his father), Mrs. Maggie Daley remained popular. And on Thursday evening, regular folks also remembered her legacy to the city.