Just hours before Election Day, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama announced that his 86-year-old grandmother died Monday after a battle with cancer. The news comes a week after he visited Madelyn Payne Dunham in Hawaii after she fell seriously ill following a hip fracture. "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," said Obama in a released statement with his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng. "Our debt to her is beyond measure."
Said rival candidate Sen. John McCain in a released statement with his wife Cindy: "We offer our deepest condolences to Barack Obama and his family as they grieve the loss of their beloved grandmother. 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."
A "small private ceremony" is to be held at a later date. The Obama family has asked that in lieu of flowers that people make a donation to "any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."
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+ VIDEO: Obama Talks About His Last Visit With Grandmother
Obama's Grandmother Dies On Eve of Election
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Comments: (62)
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By: Gladys Carter on 11/03/2008 6:05PM
Dear Barach Obama,
You have my Deepest Sympathy in the passing of your Grandmother....She fought a good fight and had a Blessed and long life.....May she rest in peace, and may God continue to strengten you in this battle for the White House.
The Battle is mines said the Lord and you have the Victory.
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By: Bernard Tassin on 11/03/2008 6:07PM
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Obama's in their time of grieve. I know when Barak claims his victory tommorrow, he will have mixed emotions, but to you Barack be strong. God will see you through. You grandmother will be looking down on you smiling.
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By: Gee on 11/03/2008 6:23PM
My prayers go out to Barack Obama and his family. Mrs. Dunham, Barack's grandmother played a key role in his life. I'm glad that she lived to see her grandson, who I believe will be the next president of the USA and also one of the greatest presidents in history, reach such great heights in her lifetime.
Knowing that she contributed so much in molding he and his sister into the fine adults that they are now, I know she will be in heaven smiling. Raising children, especially raising them the right way takes work, and she did a great job. God bless you Mrs.Dunham.
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By: Marie Sanders on 11/03/2008 6:25PM
thoughts and prays are with the Obama family. May god bless you
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By: The Lioness on 11/03/2008 6:28PM
God is sovereign and he can take you through your roughest times. My prayers are with your family in this time.
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By: Pennie Manigault on 11/03/2008 6:36PM
Mr. President, My God give you strength to go through. My prayers are with you and your family.
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By: Felicia on 11/03/2008 6:47PM
My prayers are with the Obama family at this time. Barack, she already knew you are going to win tomorrow and I know she is celebrating for you already. I know you will miss her but she is in heaven smiling down on you, her grandbaby President of the United States.
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By: Alicia on 11/04/2008 2:16AM
So very sad to learn of the passing of Sen. Obama beloved grandmother "Toot". We were praying that she would be here with us to witness history when her grandson is elected president. I know she was probably his biggest cheerleader. She obviously did a wonderful job helping raise him. Her loving spirit will push him over the finish line. I am mourning the loss of my father who I prayed would be here to vote and witness history as well. My heart goes out to the entire Obama family. May God wrap his arm of protection around them and give them peace at this difficult and sad time. Remember weeping lasts for a night but joy comes in the morning. We will all share their tears as well as their joy on Nov. 4. God bless.
My Vote for Barack here in Ohio was cast 2 weeks ago.
Now is the Time.
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By: ANITA on 11/03/2008 7:11PM
My prayers go out to the Obama family,during this time of grief. Barack, I know that your grandmother wanted to be here to see you become the first African American president, but God said that her work was done here on earth, so he called her home. Now she is looking down on you from heaven and saying that she is so proud of you, and that whenever you are doubt of anything that life throws your way, once you become President, she wants you to look to the sky, because she is only a star away. May God and peace be with you.
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By: Tyra Pate-Tillett on 11/03/2008 7:35PM
From my family to yours our deepest condolences for your beloved Grandmother...and I put her name as a proper noun because I too felt extra close to my Grandmother. She was my world so I know how you feel, but she is very proud of you and is celebrating ahead of all of us. Wow.. she's the lucky one.
Be blessed.
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