Monday, November 3, 2008

Obama's Grandmother Dies


Text of the joint statement from Barack Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng on the death of their grandmother, Madelyn Payne Dunham:

"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."

My condolences to Barack Obama and the family of Madelyn Payne Dunham.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a terrible shame that she will miss tomorrow and the next eight years. What a dream for a grandmother.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mary for being respectful about this. There are several anti-Obama blogs that are propping up the story that somehow the Obama campaign has "orchestrated" his grandmother's death today for the sympathy vote. That is bitter and despicable beyond description.

Thanks for taking the high road on this one.