Chicago's civic leader, urban planner, and influential figure, Lori Healey, was remembered this Tuesday at a celebration of life, following her death from pancreatic cancer at age 65. The event, which took place at Chicago Women's Park and Gardens, drew a distinguished crowd of Chicago's prominent individuals, who paid their respects and remembered Healey's impact on the city and beyond.
Healey's extensive career was characterized by her work as the commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, followed by her role as chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley. Healey also made her mark as a senior vice president and executive project officer for the Obama Presidential Center, a position she held until her passing, CBS Chicago reported. Her tenure at the Obama Foundation saw her at the forefront of the Obama Presidential Center's development in Jackson Park, a 19.3-acre campus still under construction.
Healey's legacy was not just in public service, her efforts also spanned organizing the NATO and G8 summits and serving as the chief executive of McCormick Place and Navy Pier. Former Mayor Richard M. Daley, who was present at the memorial, was quoted as saying, "She was the best," in an ABC7 Chicago interview.
Among the speakers was Obama Foundation Chief Executive Valerie Jarrett, who highlighted Healey's reputation for being the go-to person when "a big job that needed to get done," ABC7 Chicago stated. Adding to the accolades, state Rep. Kam Buckner described Healey's unique ability to navigate through bureaucracy and egos, to find ways to 'yes' where others encountered a standstill. The remembrance brought together a wide array of individuals whose lives were touched by Healey's work, her determination, and her capacity to create opportunities for others.
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