Madelyn Dunham, 86, Barack Obama's Grandmother, Dies of Cancer

Madelyn Dunham, 86, the woman who helped to raise Barack Obama during his years growing up in Hawaii, while his mother worked overseas, has died in Hawaii at age 86 of cancer, just a little more than one week after Obama's emotional last visit with her, and one day before an historic presidential election which may lead to her grandson's selection as President of the United States.

Dunham died between 4 and 5 a.m. Eastern Standard Time this morning; Sen. Obama was informed while campaigning in Florida, at about 8 a.m.

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.

John and Cindy McCain issued the following statement:

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.

Reuters notes that:

Dunham had followed Obama's presidential bid with great interest, and her death comes one day before U.S. voters will render their verdict in the race between Obama and Republican John McCain.

Obama affectionately called her "Toot" -- short for "tutu," the Hawaiian word for grandmother -- and frequently spoke of her on the campaign trail.

Dunham had recently broken her hip but the campaign had refused to comment on reports she was suffering from cancer.

See further details from the Washington Post, which has a fine early story on Sen. Obama's personal loss.

**

Commentary

While the analogy is not a perfect one, the death of Madelyn Dunham quickly brought to mind the story of Moses on Mount Nebo, after leading his people to the promised land, a place which he himself would not enter.

None of Obama's parents or grandparents survive to see him as he strides toward an historic place toward the end of one part of his improbable journey.

It will be a new generation which will lead our nation to a place it has never before been. We will soon discover whether this is the year in which he, and we, enter that land.

Related story: Obama to Visit Ailing Grandmother in Hawaii This Thursday

(Photo from Reuters / Jason Reed. For educational, noncommercial use only.)