Memorial event in South Loop honors Lori Healey, ex-chief of staff to Mayor Daley and executive at the Obama Foundation

CHICAGO (WLS) — A celebration of life took place Tuesday for Lori Healey.

She served as chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and helped lead the city’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.

She also organized the NATO and G8 summits and served as chief executive of McCormick Place and Navy Pier.

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During the outdoor remembrance event at Women’s Park and Garden in the South Loop, the former mayor was one of the attendees on Tuesday morning on South Indiana Avenue.

“She was the best,” Daley said.

Obama Foundation Chief Executive Valerie Jarrett was among the speakers.

“If there was a big job that needed to get done, Lori was always everyone’s obvious choice,” Jarrett said.

Healey died last week from pancreatic cancer at the age of 65.

She’s survived by her son and daughter.

Most recently, she worked as an executive at the Obama Foundation, where she oversaw construction for the presidential center in Jackson Park.

Tuesday’s event was a who’s who of Chicago’s movers and shakers: Past and present gathered to pay tribute.

State Rep. Kam Buckner, a Democrat representing the 26th District, praised her ability to navigate bureaucracy, manage egos, and find solutions while others struggled. He mentioned her talent for reaching a ‘yes’ when others were at a standstill with ‘no’.

Healey made significant contributions in both the public and private sectors, leaving her mark on numerous city projects. Patrick Daley delivered a speech on behalf of his father and sisters during the event.

“She reminded me so much of my mother, not just in her capabilities, but in her character, the quiet strength, unwavering integrity and that ability to make everyone in a room feel valued and heard,” Daley said.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, when she was elected, she immediately reached out to Healey.

“Anybody who was smart as a mayor, you wanted to have Lori Healey on speed dial,” Lightfoot said.

Father Tom Hurley joked that Healey must have had a hand in naming the pope.

“For all those who think Bob Prevost became Pope XIV because of a bunch of cardinals, I think it was actually Lori Healey that made Chicago a pope,” he said.

Healey was described as tough, pragmatic, a visionary, strategic, warm funny and humble, someone who found inspiration in the ability to create opportunity for others.

But, all of Healey’s friends say her biggest accomplishments were her two children and grandchildren.

“Whenever we had our family events or weekends in Michigan, she didn’t pick up the phone. She didn’t pick up a computer; she was present for us,” son Ramsey Al-Abed said.