Madelyn Dunham didn’t live to see her grandson (hopefully) become president.
Dunham passed away peacefully at her home shortly before midnight Sunday night (5 a.m. ET) following a battle with cancer, according to a campaign spokeswoman. She was 86 (the same age my mother was when she died).
“She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility,” Obama said.
“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.”
Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held “at a later date.” (via CNN)