Cook County Commissioner Joan Murphy dies at 79

CRESTWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- Cook County Commissioner Joan Murphy died Sunday morning after losing her battle with breast cancer.

According to her daughter, Tricia Murphy, she chose not to share the diagnosis she received in 2012 even to her staff. It took a year for the longtime local politician to even tell her own daughter.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released a statement saying she was saddened by her death.

"Joan was a thoughtful legislator, a class act respected by and considerate of her colleagues, ever kind to others and possessed a good sense of humor," she said.

Murphy served as commissioner for 14 years.

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.