Obama's Grandmother Dies
Madelyn Dunham, died today 11/3/08
Barack
Obama stands with his grandparents and Madelyn Dunham and Stanley
Dunham after Obama's high school graduation in 1979. (Photo by Obama
For America via Getty Images)
The campaign released a statement from Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng this afternoon:
"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."