by John McCormick
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The day before the presidential election, Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother, a woman he called "Toot" and someone who helped raised him, has died.
Obama's campaign reported the death of Madelyn Dunham, 86, this afternoon as he and the media traveling with him landed here for the second of two campaign rallies he has scheduled today.
Aides said the Democratic nominee learned of her death about 8 a.m. Eastern time and that she passed at her home in Honolulu between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern time.
Obama's grandmother, who had been gravely ill, was a rock of stability, giving him the American roots that would ground his teenage years as well as his career in politics.
He suspended his campaign for part of two days recently to return to Honolulu to be at her bedside. She was in hospice care in her apartment.
The candidate and his campaign had hoped that she would live long enough to see the outcome of the election, a race she had closely followed by television.
In a rare 2004 interview with the Tribune, Dunham, who called her grandson 'Bear,' noted her daughter's global interests and said she and her husband offered Obama a greater sense of normality. "I suppose I provided stability in his life," she said
The Illinois senator's campaign issued a statement under his name and that of his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng:
"It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
"Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."
Sen. John McCain's campaign issued a statement of condolence under the name of the candidate and his wife, Cindy.
"We offer our deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother," the statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they remember and celebrate the life of someone who had such a profound impact in their lives."
(See David Mendell's article on Obama's grandmother at Chicago magazine.)
Comments
How sad. A day short of seeing her Barry elected President.
Posted by: Liz | November 3, 2008 4:45 PM
I know she must have been so proud of him. He has such dignity and strength of character.
Posted by: angelin | November 3, 2008 4:56 PM
Liz said it best....How sad!
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | November 3, 2008 4:56 PM
This will make for a bitter sweet Wednesday. I can not imagine the flood of emotions that Obama has right now. So very sad.
Posted by: xcellentform | November 3, 2008 5:18 PM
My heart goes out to his family. I believe she new he would be a champion regardless of tomorrow's outcome.
Posted by: Cats Meow | November 3, 2008 6:15 PM
Life is not any easy journey, and part of it, is death. I am sorry that Mrs. Dunham, could not live long enough, to see her Grandson, Senator Obama, possibly, win the Presidency of the United States of America !! Though, I am certain, she was extremely proud of Senator Obama's campaign and it's insistence on the high road. I am sure, she played an important role in his principled approach to politics and life. My prayers are with the Obama and Dunham families. May Mrs. Dunham, rest in peace.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | November 3, 2008 6:15 PM
Dear Senator Obama,
I can only imagine that your Grandmother wanted to tell God, personally, how proud she is of you. The rest of us will convey that pride, tomorrow, with our votes.
My deepest condolences and very best wishes ...
Lyn B. Loughlin, LSW/MSW
Posted by: Lyn Loughlin, LSW/MSW | November 3, 2008 9:10 PM
I felt as though my parent's spirit was with me for a time after they passed. Hopefully Toot will travel to all the mean-spirited places tomorrow and inspire to vote straight ticket Democratic Party top to bottom tomorrow.
Obama is world class--I mean how he kept campaigning while all this occurred--which is the right thing to do--but that sez to me any doubts about his readiness, his professionalism, his courage should now be put to rest.
Posted by: Toot--visit all the mean spirited places and give us a big one tomorrow! | November 3, 2008 9:26 PM
I'm sorry that u missed your grand mothre at this crusual moment.
how ever you will win the election.Let's God be with u.
Posted by: Tekalegne Arega | November 3, 2008 11:23 PM
The Cancer Research Institute extends its sincerest sympathies to Senator Barack Obama and his family on the loss of his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who succumbed to cancer yesterday.
In the statement from the Obama campaign, the Senator encouraged those who wish to express their condolences to contribute to cancer research. We thank Senator Obama for this thoughtful action at a time of unimaginable grief.
Click here to make a donation in memory of Madelyn Dunham:
http://www.cancerresearch.org/give/memorial/Barack-Obama.html
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The Cancer Research Institute has earned four-out-of-four stars from Charity Navigator and an "A" grade from the American Institute for Philanthropy. For information about the Cancer Research Institute’s excellent charity ratings, go to: http://www.cancerresearch.org/ratings.html.
Posted by: Kelsey | November 4, 2008 10:28 AM
i wish to offer my prayers at the lose in your heart now and to say there is a place for your granny to watch you and see about you and God placed her in her seat to few it all from above so be strong and know her only puts on us what he knows we can bear. good luck today and God bless
Posted by: linda mccurdy | November 4, 2008 3:41 PM