Chicago is mourning the loss of a civic titan, Lori Healey, whose decades of public service, leadership, and vision left an indelible mark on the city she loved. Healey, 65, passed away peacefully on Saturday following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her loved ones.
Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of many across Chicago’s public and private sectors who had the privilege of working alongside her—and those whose lives were made better by her tireless efforts.
Throughout her storied career, Lori Healey held a number of influential roles that shaped the trajectory of Chicago’s development. She served as Chief of Staff to former Mayor Richard M. Daley, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (McPier), and most recently, as an executive with the Obama Foundation, where she played a critical role in the ongoing development of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side.
Her leadership extended far beyond job titles. Lori Healey was known for her unmatched intellect, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve monumental goals.
From orchestrating major infrastructure projects to leading international summits and guiding transformative citywide initiatives, Healey had a hand in many of Chicago’s most significant achievements over the past two decades.
Former Mayor Richard M. Daley paid tribute to Healey with heartfelt words, calling her “a brilliant leader whose tireless spirit and deep commitment to public service set her apart.”
Reflecting on their time working together, Daley noted her rare combination of vision and pragmatism: “From major civic developments to international events, Lori’s clarity of vision and gift for collaboration made her an essential force in our city’s most important achievements. She was so much more than a colleague—she was like family.”
Her passing, Daley said, is “a profound loss for me personally and for so many others in our great city who continue to feel the impact of her extraordinary life.”
At the Obama Foundation, Healey brought her experience and drive to the transformative project of building the Obama Presidential Center. As CEO Valerie Jarrett stated, “Chicago is a better city because of Lori Healey.
Lori established herself as one of the most respected and sought-after voices in both the public and private sector thanks to her brilliance, indefatigable work ethic, wise judgement, and wit.”
Jarrett emphasized not only Healey’s role in executing large-scale projects, but also her personal mission to empower others—especially young women entering fields like construction, public service, and civic leadership.
“She was generous with her time and passionate about living a purposeful life and a mighty force for good,” Jarrett said. “We will miss her for these many reasons, but most of all, we will miss her faithful and radiant friendship.”
Dan Gibbons, CEO of the City Club of Chicago, also shared his sorrow: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Lori Healey, our cherished friend and board member at the City Club of Chicago.
Her generosity, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to our city will never be forgotten. She leaves behind a legacy of impact and leadership that will continue to inspire us all for generations.”
Lori Healey’s contributions to Chicago touched virtually every corner of civic life—from economic development and tourism to urban planning and public-private collaboration.
She was a bridge-builder, mentor, advocate, and strategic thinker. Her passion for her city was evident in everything she did, and her efforts helped shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking Chicago.
Healey is survived by her partner Walt, her children and grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and mentees whose lives she enriched with her wisdom, leadership, and compassion.
In the wake of her loss, those who knew her are not only reflecting on the depth of her accomplishments but also on the grace, humor, and humanity with which she carried them out.
Lori Healey’s life was one of purpose, service, and unshakable dedication to the greater good—a legacy that will continue to guide Chicago for generations to come.
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