KPCC Election 2008

Madelyn Payne Dunham, grandmother of Obama, dies from cancer

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham, passed away Monday at the age of 86 due to cancer. Obama left the campaign trail for two days last month to visit his grandmother due to her poor health, and had noted that she might not make it to Election Day.

Dunham and her husband, Barack’s grandfather, helped raise Obama for several years in Hawaii while his mother was overseas.

Obama and his sister issued the following statement on the death of their grandmother:

“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.”

Link: NPR: Madelyn Dunham, Obama’s Grandmother, Dies

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• November 3, 2008 4:41 PM
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• Categories: 2008 Elections